BC Nature - Wetlands Survey Results

Bcnature

“Know nature and keep it worth knowing”

• Tracking Tundra Swans

• Celebrate BC Parks Centennial “Know nature and keep it worth knowing” • BC Nature - Wetlands Survey Results

The Magazine of BC Nature

www.bcnature.ca • Spring 2011 • Vol. 49 No. 1 • ISSN 0228-8824 Bc nature In This Issue: Volume 49, No. 1 Feature articles are the sole responsibility of their authors. Opinions expressed therein are Objectives of BC Nature not necessarily those of BC Nature. (Federation of BC Naturalists) • To provide naturalists and natural history clubs of BC with a unified voice on conservation and Departments: environmental issues. Guest Editorial - Anne Murray...... 3 • To foster an awareness, appreciation and BC Nature at work for you ...... 4 understanding of our natural environment, that it may be wisely used and maintained for future President’s Message ...... 5 generations. Conservation Report ...... 7 • To encourage the formation and cooperation of Club Chat...... 23 natural history clubs throughout BC. Club listings...... 30 • To provide a means of communication between naturalists in BC. Regular columns: Book Reviews ...... 19 Cynodontium Rock ...... 21 BCnature magazine is published quarterly by BC Nature (Federation of BC Naturalists) Features: Circulation 4,800 Grants Support BC Nature Clubs ...... 6 BC Nature Field Camps & Conferences ...... 6 Guest Editorial: Anne Murray ([email protected]) Route Finding in Kakwa ...... 9 Advertising: Betty Davison ([email protected]) Wildlife Tree Stewardship (WiTs)...... 10 Website: David Lassmann ([email protected]) Tracking Tundra Swans ...... 11 BC Parks Centennial...... 12 We welcome your articles, photos and letters. Please send them to the office. BCnature reserves the right to edit sub- Focus on IBA - Chilcotin Junction ...... 15 missions for length, style and clarity. BCWF Wetlands Education Program...... 16 Submission Deadlines: Report - Wetlands Survey - BC Nature Clubs...... 17 Spring: February 15 Fall: August 15 Young Naturalists Club Update ...... 22 Summer: May 15 Winter: November 1 Advertising Rates (effective winter issue 2010) Notices: $440 ------full page Field camps and conferences 2010 ...... 6 $220 ------1/2 page $165 ----- 1/3 page 2011 Annual General Meeting and Conference ...... 28 $110 ------1/4 page $ 55 ----- business card

BC Nature (Federation of BC Naturalists) Heritage Centre, 1620 Mount Seymour Rd. Cover photo North Vancouver, BC V7G 2R9 Trumpeter Swans at Cinquefoil Lake Tel: 604-985-3057 Photo by: Ian Routley Fax 604-985-3059 www.bcnature.ca email: [email protected] Office Manager: Betty Davison

BC Nature is printed on 30 percent recycled stock

2 BCnature Spring 2011 Editor’s Notebook Guest Editorial - Anne Murray Importance of Farmland Activism

wenty years ago there was a public outcry about the future of BC’s agri- Tcultural land. Provincial order-in-council 1141, allowing golf courses as an outright use of farmland, opened the way for urbanization of BC’s remaining farmland. Development pressures seemed unstoppable and when it came to rezoning, most people were happy to accept the maxim “you can’t fight city hall”.

Only 3% of BC is arable land, a vital resource for food security. It is also wildlife habitat, especially for wintering and migrating waterfowl, shorebirds 14th Annual and raptors. In 1988, when bird habitat on Boundary Bay was threatened by golf course development, a small group of naturalists and conservationists thought it was time to fight back. The Boundary Bay Conservation Commit- tee (BBCC) was born, and went to court to prevent the rezoning. At the time, forty-four golf course applications were filed for farmland south of the Fraser River. Richmond conservationists were struggling to protect Terra Nova, the last agricultural land remaining on Sturgeon Banks. Similar efforts occurred throughout BC. Unremitting work by conservationists engaged the media and the public, and the issue grew wings. A proposed development on South Delta’s Spetifore farm resulted in the longest public hearing in Canadian history and a unique citizen-led plebiscite that showed 98% of residents opposed to rezoning. Even though BBCC’s court case was defeated in the Supreme Court, all the efforts were not in vain. Less than a year later, pro-development municipal politicians were voted out of office, not just in Delta but in many other municipalities, and shortly after Mike Harcourt’s NDP was elected on a May 6 - 9, 2011 pro-farmland platform. His first action in government was to rescind order- ...come celebrate the migration in-council 1141. For some years, the environment remained on the political agenda, with the Nature Legacy program purchasing environmentally-sensi- of tens of thousands of tive lands, followed by the acquisition of Burns Bog. migratory shorebirds on the spectacular beaches, mudfl ats Over 6,000 ha of MetroVancouver farmland have been excluded from the and rocky headlands of Tofi no, Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) since 1974. Other BC regions have seen simi- right on the edge of the west lar losses. Media, public and political interest surged in the early 1990s but coast of Vancouver Island. subsequently died away. Yet, with rising food and transportation costs and global food shortages, coupled with significant declines in biodiversity, it is Activities for all ages time for a revival of interest. Maybe this is happening. Delta municipal council has just recommended that the former Spetifore land (now Southlands) be • shorebird fi eld trips returned to the ALR. • pelagic tour offshore • children’s programs Naturalists can play a strong, proactive role in farmland and habitat pro- • speakers tection and the prevention of wasteful urban sprawl. BC Nature has a solid • art show history of writing strong letters on conservation topics. Those who love nature should not be afraid to stand up and speak in public forums. There is more and much support out there for our position than might at first be apparent, and the more. knowledge and expertise of BC Nature’s members are a valuable part of the discussion. We must let our voices be heard.

Anne Murray is a past-President of BC Nature, past Conservation Chair, and the author of books on Boundary Bay wildlife and ecology (see www.natureguidesbc. www.toﬁ noshorebirdfestival.com com). 250-725-2560

Spring 2011 BCnature 3 BC Nature at work for you Letters Sent •Dec 7 – Support for federal Bill C-469, Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights, urging all members of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development to support this Bill. •Jan 13 – Comment to Ministry of Environment “Environmental Mitigation and Offsetting Policy” • Jan 17 – Ministry of Forests Mines & Lands – Zero Net Deforestration Policy follow up on behalf of BC Nature •Jan 23 – Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk – Letter of Support for WiTS • Jan 27 - Letter and media release that an international coalition of environmental groups (including Nature Canada and BC Nature) have withdrawn in protest a complaint against Canada through the NAFTA review process, regarding failure to enforce laws for species at risk •Feb 17 – Submission to Canadian Wildlife Foundation for Butterfly monitoring program grant •Feb 21 – Letter to Ministries of Forest, Natural Resource Operations and Environment regarding changes to Visual Quality Objectives in Burns Lake area, and concerns with changing a Land and Resource Management •Mar 14 – Comments to Ministry of Environment Water Act Modernization Policy and Proposals Letters Received •Jan 20 – Minister Murray Coell – response to meeting at BC Nature – Park Interpretation, Boundary Bay, Communications/Project Manager Funds. Meetings •Nov 22 – BC Nature Executive Meeting •Jan 11 – Wildlife Tree Stewardship steering committee •Jan 17 - BC Nature Executive Meeting •Jan 26 – Kootenay Regional Teleconference meeting •Jan 27 – Invasive Plant Council conference •Feb 8 – Breeding Bird Atlas Steering Committee •Feb 10 – Wetlands Stewardship Partnership •Feb 15 – BC IBA Committee Meeting BC Nature Field Camps & Conferences 2011

Apr 28 to May 1 - Spring Fraser Canyon Field Camp May 6 to 8 - Skagit Bird Blitz May 12 to 15 - Conference and AGM hosted by Williams Lake Field Naturalists Society. Registration and program information on page 28/29 Jun. 3 to 5 - Mt. Robson Provincial Park Bird Blitz Jul. 2 to 9 - Nuit Range exploratory backpacking Jun. 17 to 19 - Manning Park Bird Blitz Jul 15 to 19 - Strathcona Provincial Park Field Camp Jul 16 to 23 - Backpacking South Chilcotins Sept 29 to Oct 2 - BC Nature Conference and FGM - Tsawassen - Hosted by Delta Naturalists. "Nature on the Move - Migration through Delta"

4 BCnature Spring 2011 The President’s Perch By John Neville

address impacts associated with public let you know that the other the other use in the Boundary Bay Wildlife substantial portion ($70,000) of the Management Area, including: bequest has been used to complete •Increased Park Ranger presence; the purchase of 320 acres of forested •Education of the public regarding land along Musgrave Road on Salt responsible dog use; Spring Island. The Salt Spring Island •Litter removal in partnership with Conservancy has expressed its he winter days have passed very The Nature Trust of BC and Metro delight and appreciation to all the Tquickly addressing issues and Vancouver; and public and private donations which events for BC Nature. In November, •Addressing trespass issues, have partnered to raise more than I met twice with the Minister of En- including the salvage and removal of $2,000,000 to complete this purchase. vironment Murray Coell. At the re- abandoned boats in the vicinity of the BC Nature's representatives on this quest of the minister and his staff,on Nicomekl River. island is the Salt Spring Trail and Nov 19, we met at the BC Nature of- Moving forward, we will continue Nature Club. Your Executive has fice. Bev Ramey, Jude Grass and Betty to identify and address priority decided that the last $4470 from Davison completed our group. The management issues in the Boundary the bequest should go to the Save easiest way to summarize is to quote Bay Wildlife Management Area in a Mary Lake Campaign on Vancouver from the Minister's latest response to manner consistent with the goals and Island.You can see the details of our letters and email. objectives of the management plan. this piece of property at www. January 20, 2011 BC Parks staff have also contacted savemarylake.com ...With regards to Park Interpretation Ms. Bev Ramey regarding the request Another vacancy on our executive, in 2011, BC Parks is currently exploring to initiate discussion on opportunities the Kootenay Regional Coordinator, funding options for interpretation for BC Nature to participate in the BC has recently been filled by Greg programs. Ministry staff will contact Parks Centennial in 2011. Ross. Greg is a longtime member you with any new information. Yours sincerely, and currently the Director for Regarding the proposed Solid Murray Coell, Minister the Rocky Mountain Naturalists. Waste Management Plan, the Metro When you read this message you Welcome aboard Greg! Vancouver board has submitted the may be aware that Betty Davison It's not always business for proposed plan to the Ministry of is preparing the current issue of your President as I really enjoy Environment and ministry staff are BC nature magazine and Anne reading your club newsletters and now reviewing the submission and will Murray has written the guest visiting your clubs. I learned from make a recommendation in 2011. Your editorial. Dawn Hanna resigned the Osprey, the newsletter of the comments and concerns regarding the as editor in December after taking West Kootenay Naturalists, that plan will be taken into consideration on a new full time job. I'm sure the Giant Hogweed(Heracleum along with those obtained during the you all join me in expressing our mantegazzianum) is taking hold formal consultation. appreciation for Dawn's fine work as an invasive species in the Slocan Concerning the Boundary Bay through the years! Your Executive Valley. Recently, I attended the AGM Wildlife Management Area, I have decided to continue to try of the Salt Spring Trail and Nature understand a draft management running the magazine from the Club and the winter banquet of plan has been developed and, while office with the addition of a new the Central Okanangan Naturalists the Province acknowledges that the volunteer Communications Director. Club.The Central Okanagan management plan is still in draft form This position will also oversee the members are about to celebrate their and certain sections of the plan may upgrading of our webpage. If you 50th anniversary with 50 events need to be revisited, the general direction are interested in serving in this leading up to BC Nature's 2012 in the plan is considered valid and capacity, please contact me at the AGM. guides the current management of the office. My most favorite time of the year wildlife management area. Nonetheless, You will have read in the last issue is spring. New life everywhere, the we do intend to update the management of Bcnature funds from the Lillian smell of the leaves, flowers and the plan and will engage stakeholders and May Hayden bequest were used sound of choruses at dawn make my First Nations in the plan review when to help purchase land in the Sooke life a joy to live.  we are ready to initiate that process. Hills on Vancouver Island. I can now The Ministry is taking efforts to

Spring 2011 BCnature 5 Grants Support BC wilderness Nature Clubs 2011 &wildlife hank you to the many donors to BC Naturalists’ TFoundation: you are helping to grow the capital fund of our Foundation. Interest on that capital is put matters towards annual Club Support Grants. In early 2011 a total of $8,000 was made available to BC Nature Clubs, Purchase a Wilderness Committee including $6,000 from the Foundation and $2,000 from calendar and be part of our campaigns to BC Nature.. protect threatenedwho wilderness protects and wildlife. Six grants were recently awarded to the following BC Nature Clubs: To buy call 604-683-8220 today or check our online store Arrowsmith Naturalists for printing a seasonal bird checklist, CANADA’S ENDANGERED There’s a life Chilliwack Field Naturalists for Camp River wildlife Wild full line of area planting, beautiful Comox Valley Naturalists for Wetland Restoration 2011 on the Courtenay River greeting Friends of Semiahmoo Bay for Little Campbell cards, books Interpretive Signage and Restoration and posters to North Okanagan Naturalists for Cools Pond view online! Interpretive Signage Replacement South Okanagan Naturalists to showcase a Half 2011 Only $15.95 Century of Conservation in the South Okanagan wilderness committee CALENDAR Bulk orders together with partners Penticton Museum Archives available! and Nature Conservancy of Canada. BC Naturalists’ Foundation and BC Nature are wildernesscommittee.org pleased to provide assistance to these six club projects. Congratulations to the clubs for taking on these exciting projects – they all contribute to spreading the word about the wonderful natural world of our A Strong Foundation province. is Good for Nature Fraser Canyon Field Camp April 28 – May 1, 2011 C Nature, along with the Chilliwack Field Naturalists Band Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning have teamed up to host a 4-day field camp at Camp Squeah in the beautiful Fraser Canyon. Clean, modern rooms with private washrooms will be shared with 1 or 2 other naturalists. The group will explore the Fraser and Coquihalla River Canyons by raft and land-based field trips to Lady Franklin Rock, Alexandra Provincial Park, Alexandra Bridge, historical First Nations village sites, a Garry Oak Reserve, Othello Tun- nels and other locations. Birding opportunities will be found throughout the long weekend. The cost for the field camp is Your donation or bequest to $550 per person. BC Naturalists’ This covers accommodation, all meals, day trips—including Foundation river rafting—and evening speakers. Registration is limited to helps build a fund that will 24 participants. See details and reserve a spot by registering support the conservation through Hope Mountain Centre’s website, www.hopemoun- BC Naturalists’ Foundation and education projects of tain.org, or call/email at 604-869-1274 info@hopemountain. Tel: (604) 985-3057 BC Nature and its [email protected] org for more information.  www.bcnature.ca member clubs for many FOUNDATION years into the future

6 BCnature Spring 2011 Conservation Report By Rosemary Fox with contributions from recent Wetland Stewardship Partnership to drill for shale gas in the Montney Conservation Committee members meeting attended by Peter Ballin and shale formation, while further north Bev Ramey, is the scramble going on the larger Horn shale formation has Proposed South Okanagan Park to develop shale gas in North-East attracted even more attention from BC. This is on top of the conventional industry. va Durance reports that at a recent oil and gas extraction that has been Besides concerns about water require- meeting on the proposed South E taking place for decades, resulting in ments and quality, there are also con- Okanagan National Park, Parks Canada significant fragmentation of boreal cerns about increased CO2 emissions reported that “conversations with First forest ecosystems as well as impacts on from the development of shale gas, Nations are going very well. Parks Can- individuals and domestic animals. I according to a report released last ada have been meeting with Okanagan know of one person who lost all her July by Mark Jaccard and Brad Grif- Nation Alliance Chiefs and the Grand livestock and domestic dogs when fin of SFU, who estimate that BC’s Chief Stewart Phillip. Parks Canada a sour gas well was dug close to her greenhouse gas emissions from shale feels the fundamentals have been met home. Shale gas development not only gas development could increase GHG and there is potential for a written fragments and alters wildlife habitats: emissions by 10% over the provincial agreement from First Nations. Parks a major concern wherever shale gas emissions target set for 2020 (www. Canada are ready to wind up the Feasi- is being planned or developed is the pics.uvic.ca/assets/pdf/publications/ bility Study and move on to the concept impact on water supply and quality. Shale%20Gas%20and%20Climate%20 stage.” (The concept stage is when Parks For further information, see the article Targets.pdf). However, the BC govern- Canada gets into more of the details such in the Globe and Mail of October 2010 ment is promoting the development as what specific areas will be included in at www.theglobeandmail.com/report- of BC’s shale gas deposits as a clean a core area.) on-business/industry-news/energy-and- source of energy. Wetlands Peter Ballin and Bev Ramey resources/canada-not-ready-for-shale- Enbridge’s Northern Gateway attended the February meeting of the gas-boom/article1756636/, and also read Pipeline proposal. Following Wetland Stewardship Partnership at the a report released in October 2011 by the a series of public meetings last CWS office on Westham Island (where, University of Toronto’s Munk School of summer, the Joint Review Panel incidentally, they saw the Northern Global Affairs, entitled Fracture Lines: for the Enbridge pipeline project Hawk Owl). There they heard a highly Will Canada’s water be protected in the to transport tar sands oil from informative presentation about carbon rush to develop shale gas? (beta.images. northern Alberta to tidewater at offsets by Briony Penn, “An Introduction theglobeandmail.com/archive/00942/ Kitimat, BC, for export by oil tanker to the Carbon Conservation Landscape in Fractured_Lines_942842a.pdf). to Asia, has advised Enbridge that British Columbia: Recommendations to the As an indication of the amount of it needs to submit more information Conservation Community for Advancing water used in shale oil development, to the Panel before hearings can Wetland Conservation through Carbon Pro- a contact I have near Hudson’s Hope proceed. The information required jects in BC.” This is quite a complicated told me recently that Talisman Energy covers a range of socio-economic subject. To find out more, check out has been hauling 20 tanker trucks of and technical issues, as well as www.livingcarbon.ca when it is ready in water 24 hours a day, with each truck potential environmental impacts April. The meeting discussed the Water taking six loads a day, from the Peace on protected areas, wildlife and Act Modernization (WAM), where Bev River to its well sites in the Montney wildlife habitat, fish and fish habitat, emphasized the need to act quickly in shale zone (a large area which extends vegetation, species at risk, marine northeastern BC to regulate water use north roughly from the Dawson Creek/ environment and wetlands. No for shale petrochemical extraction. WAM Fort St. John area and into Alberta). order to commence the hearings legislation will take a while. Much infor- This water is for fraccing. The process will be issued until this information mation has been collected, check out the called fraccing, used in drilling for has been provided to the Panel’s website for the Report on Engagement. shale gas, uses large quantities of water satisfaction. Meanwhile, CN has There was also an update on Environ- mixed with toxic chemicals and sand. become interested in the possibility mental Mitigation and Offsetting Policy. Each well is fracced in 10-12 stages, of providing an alternate means For further information go to the Minis- and each stage requires around 1500 of transporting oil to tidewater for try of Environment website, http://liv- cubic meters of water. Well-sites are export to Asia, and has come up with ingwatersmart.ca/water-act/. on pads with 24 well-sites to a pad, and a plan for a “pipeline on rail” that As members may remember, last Fall Talisman is reportedly building one would also deliver oil to West Coast Peter prepared a questionnaire for BC pad in every square mile of its license tanker ships. In view of CN’s poor Nature’s Clubs to provide information area. Talisman is applying for a water safety record, environmentalists are on the degree of involvement of natural- license to withdraw up to 10,000 cubic not impressed.  ists in wetland conservation. (p 17) meters of water a day from Williston Shale Gas A serious conservation Reservoir. Talisman is only one of issue that naturalists need to be aware several energy companies with licenses of, alluded to in the report above on the

Spring 2011 BCnature 7

MoreSummer Superb ToursExcitement with Eagle-Eye! with Eagle-Eye!

Taiwan - the Beautiful Island April 30 - May 12, 2011 with Richard Knapton Lush deciduous & coniferous forests, classic mountains, extensive wetlands & Lanyu Island. Dozens of endemics.

China - Sichuan & Beijing May 13 - 27, 2011 with Richard Knapton Sichuan - best wildlife area in China! Amazing endemics & unique wildlife including Ibisbill, Great Wall & Beijing!

Point Pelee, Algonquin & Kirtland’s Warbler BC Nature Archive Trivia May 13 - 24, 2011 with Dave Brewer “The Great Bird Debate of the 80’s” Boreal forest specialties, masses of warblers & other Back in 1987, a three month province-wide campaign to select a migrants, Carolinean species, plus Kirtland’s Warbler! Provincial bird was held in conjunction with the Ministry of En- vironment and Parks and the Centennial Wildlife Society. A slate British Columbia’s Coast Mountains of seven birds were shortlisted to become our Provincial bird. Adventure Listed is the criteria to belong to the shortlist: June 4 - 10, 2011 with Steve Ogle • Nest in the province or, better still, be a resident bird year round. BC’s dramatic coast mountains explored by helicopter, boat, river float & hiking! An awesome experience! • be attractive and recognizable • be either a western species, be unique to BC, or have an abundance of its world population in BC Baffin Island Floe Edge • Have conservation or cultural significance June 13 - 21, 2011 with Cam Gillies • be generally common throughout BC Stunning glaciers, rugged mountains, flocks of northern seabirds, wonderful Narwal and traditional Inuit culture The 7 flighty candidates that were shortlisted on the basis of this criteria were: the Varied Thrush, the Trumpeter Swan, The Tanzania Steller’s Jay, the Rufous Hummingbird, the Peregrine Falcon, the June 15 - July 4, 2011 with Duan Biggs Harlequin Duck and the American Dipper. 50,000 ballots were sent in by the public and the chosen bird was Quintessential Africa! Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Usumbaras, Uluguru Mountains & Lake Manyara! the Steller’s Jay. High Arctic & Northwest Territories June 29 - July 9, 2011 with Richard Knapton Anne Hansen’s Exquisite High Arctic tundra, boreal forest & wetlands. MY BODY OF OYSTERCA TCHERS More paintings celebrating oystercatchers! Eagle-Eye Tours Check website below for news article in Victoria Times Colonist. BC License #34413 Travel with http://www.oystercatchergirl.blogspot.com 1-800-373-5678 www.eagle-eye.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

8 BCnature Spring 2011 Route finding in Kakwa Provincial Park by Robert Shepherd

Rob describes day 5 of this eight day BC Nature exploratory backpacking trip in Kakwa 2010. Sixty-five bird species were recorded for the Breeding Bird Atlas

“Where’s Rick?” Margie asked.

e were standing on a shrubby Wrocky hillside in Kakwa Provin- cial Park. Ahead of us was the vertical rock face which rises from the shores of Lake La Glace. To our left was a

wet fen meadow beside a meandering Fairhurst Photo: Carol stream. No other hiker was in view. Hikers crossing the fen meadow below Lake La Glace Starting on July 5th, we had taken two days to hike 29 kilometers up an and had lunch. I had brought a white bance to wildlife and vegetation, and old mining tote road and ford a small gas stove and pot, and made tea for the ensure that garbage is not scattered river. As we hiked in, in mist, we heard group. throughout the park. We are fortunate low rumbling to our left. Initially we From a distance, Lake La Glace looks in British Columbia that we have scenic thought the rumbling was thunder. like a moraine lake, because a third of wilderness, and that the government Then we realized that slabs of ice were the lake is bounded by a high verti- has preserved some of that wilderness falling from the massive glaciers sur- cal stone wall. But the water is held in in parks.  rounding Mount Sir Alexander (3270m, the lake by tilted limestone, not by a 10720ft). There were ten of us camped moraine. The stream tumbles down a BC Nature backpackers are planning on the shore of Kakwa Lake, sited in steep bed below the lake, throwing up two trips for 2011: early July hike to the northern Canadian Rockies, north- cool mist. the Nuit (Niut) Range which is located west from Mt Robson. We were there As we walked back, we discov- to the west side of Tatlayoko Lake. With to explore this area and to gather infor- ered that the wet fen meadow was a group size limit of ten, this trip is full. mation for the BC Breeding Bird Atlas, dry enough to easily stroll across. A second backpacking trip is scheduled including early morning point counts Cathy kindly explained the difference for mid July to the Fortress Ridge area, led by Cathy Koot, with several of us between a marsh (has mineral soil and near Castle Peak in South Chilcotins assisting. high nutrient enrichment), a fen (devel- (Spruce Lake) Provincial Park. A On this day, Margie and I got started ops on peaty, organic soil and has some couple of spots remain for this group. late. Rick kindly waited for us at a nutrient throughput via water flow) Please Contact: Bev Ramey via email stream crossing. We caught up with and a bog (also peaty but nutrient poor [email protected] the others at the next stream crossing. and more or less stagnant). A Savan- (The mosquitoes had lunch during the nah Sparrow nest with young was “EXPLORE stream crossing when I rolled up my even found for the Bird Atlas. pants!) The group split up when we Kakwa impressed us with its out- NORTHERN got close to Lake La Glace because the standing scenery and numerous INDIA” extensive meadow looked too wet to lush flower meadows. We also saw struggle across. Some people ascended numerous conifer saplings that had a boulder field and rock bluffs. Margie, Join Russell Cannings been snapped off at chest height. We and local guides. Rick, Bev and I stayed in the scrubby figured that the conifer saplings had forest near the meadow. Rick got ahead been run down by the snowmobilers, A laid-back mix of of us, and Margie preferred that the who were likely also responsible for group stay together. We did reunite and the crushed beer cans we came upon birdwatching and cultural experi- struggled uphill through horizontally in many remote locations throughout ences, this trip has something for growing rhododendron (“Mountain the park. As recorded in the log book everyone! misery”). at the public cabin, up to 250 snow- And the price is right! In the forest at the top of the hill we mobilers use the park on a peak day When: Oct 15-Nov 1 (2011) took a route to the point where a big during winter. We considered asking For more details: Please email stream cascaded out of the lake. We the authorities to staff this park in the [email protected] broke out crackers and nuts and cheese winter to manage use, monitor distur-

Spring 2011 BCnature 9 Wildlife Tree Stewardship Program Reaches New Heights in the Okanagan-Similkameen By Lisa Scott & Allison Black

avity nesting birds have lots to Ctweet about in the Okanagan- Similkameen. The loss of suitable habitat for nesting and foraging, including the lack of wildlife trees, pre- sents a serious threat to many species. Fortunately, the Wildlife Tree Stewardship (WiTS) Program for the Okanagan-Similkameen has been able to continue for a fourth season thanks to the dedication of many volunteer monitors and also due to financial support from the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk. The WiTS Program in the Okanagan- Similkameen focuses on cavity nesting species at risk. Trained volunteers Photos by Lisa Scott monitor breeding areas and record nesting activity. Most of the monitors are affiliated with one of four natural- Volunteer monitor Greg Byron works with summer student Allison Black ists’ clubs: South Okanagan Natural- to measure the diameter of a new wildlife tree that supported a pair of ist Club, Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalists, Lewis’s Woodpeckers (above) during the summer of 2010. Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists and the Central Okanagan Naturalist This field season, WiTS did not survey and sighted a WHWO on three occa- Club. Williamson’s Sapsucker as extensively sions in March. WiTS is actively work- For season 2011, monitoring will as 2009 due to the fact that the Minis- ing with the private landowners in hopefully expand to the Vernon area try of Environment commissioned a this area, and hopes to gain important and involve the North Okanagan survey completed by an independent information on this elusive species in Naturalists Club. ecological consulting company. Due to the coming year. In 2010, we focused on Lewis’s the risk of confounding evidence or of In addition to field monitoring, Woodpeckers, with the team survey- harassing the birds by oversampling, WiTS conducts school and community ing 113 nest trees throughout the two WiTS only looked at the re-occupancy outreach programs that highlight the valleys. Most of the trees were located of nest sites in a benchmark area above importance of wildlife trees. These along the Similkameen River between Okanagan Falls. Local researcher and events provide an opportunity to edu- Hedley and Keremeos. Additional WiTS volunteer, Les Gyug, found two cate people about the role of wild- trees were located in the Anarchist re-occupied nests, one new nest tree life trees and the various species that Mountain, West Chopaka and Vaseux and two incidental bird sightings. depend on these habitat features, as Lake areas. Forty-one percent of the The surveys for Western Screech-Owl well as the importance of wildlife tree trees were re-occupied, while 27 per- proved challenging due to wetter and conservation. cent had visual sightings of birds in stormier conditions than in previous WiTS could not have accomplished the area but entrance into a cavity years. A late summer survey in the Cen- all the surveying this year without the was not observed. Four of the nests tral Okanagan proved very successful contributions of many private land- were re-occupied by nest competi- with confirmation of at least two owls owners and the dedication of numer- tors such as American Kestrels and in a regional park that only had histori- ous volunteers. We look forward to European Starlings. Approximately cal sightings. WiTS intends to conduct working with our many volunteer 51% of the nest trees were ponderosa additional screech-owl surveys during monitors in the coming years, and hope pine, while 28% were black cotton- the breeding season in 2011. to see some new faces in 2011! wood. Douglas fir, waterbirch and The past year has been very exciting To join this exciting team or to learn more utility poles also provided nest sites. with the discovery of a pair of White- about the WiTS, check out our website: One nesting tree had blown over and headed woodpeckers in the McCuddy www.wildlifetree.org or contact Lisa Scott, three had been cut down. Creek area. A WiTS volunteer regularly WiTS Regional Coordinator, at surveyed the Crown lands in the area [email protected] or 250.404.0115. 

10 BCnature Spring 2011 Tracking Tundra Swans for BC Nature

By Alan Burger There are several studies using neck bands to identify and n 14 November 2010 Gloria and track geese and swans. The OMike Brenner, members of the new- bands are designed to allow ly-formed Nicola Naturalist Society in the birds to feed normally. If Merritt, stopped to admire a large flock you see any of these birds write of swans feeding at Beaver Ranch Flats on down the colour of the band the Guichon Ranch north of Nicola Lake. and the number. Sightings of Among the dozens of Tundra Swans these marked birds provides feeding in this rich marsh were several important information on with blue neck bands. Gloria and Mike migration routes and critical took photos of these birds, and through habitat. Send sightings of all contacts with the Canadian Wildlife Ser- banded or marked birds to: vice we were able to contact the scientists Canadian Wildlife Service Bird who had attached the neck bands. Banding Office based in Ottawa Tundra Swans are being tagged (e-mail: [email protected] in Alaska by biologists of the US phone: 613-998-0524). Geological Survey as part of an ongoing Or for marked swans contact Dr. study of swan migration, set up in part Craig Ely at [email protected]  Map showing areas where Tundra Swans are being to investigate possible movements of tagged (dark shaded areas) and where the Beaver Ranch avian influenza viruses. Dr. Craig Ely Flats swans came from (arrow). of the USGS Alaska Science Center in Anchorage is part of the study, and sent the map (inset) and information on the Beaver Ranch Flats birds. Tundra Swans are being captured and neck-banded at several of their breeding grounds in Alaska, shown in the shaded oval areas on the map. Four of the birds photographed by the Brenners were banded as adults (two breeding pairs) in late July 2010 on the north end of the Alaska Peninsula, near King Salmon (shown with the arrow on the map). Several other neck-banded swans from the Alaska study were also reported elsewhere in British Columbia in the fall of 2010 – including three Tundra Swans Photo by : Mike Brenner from the Okanagan and one from near Chilliwack. These Alaska researchers have also Trumpeter or Tundra? attached satellite-tracking tags on Birders in BC are used to seeing Trumpeter Swans on lakes and coastal waters during the Tundra Swans which allows continuous winter. It might therefore surprise some to hear that these marked birds were Tundra Swans passing through on their fall migration. So how can one differentiate the two species? It isn’t tracking of their migration. This study easy and it helps to have your bird field guide with you as you peer though your binoculars showed that the Alaska Tundra Swans or, better still, a spotting scope. Body size: Trumpeters (average mass 10.5 kg) are bigger than migrated on both sides of the Rockies Tundras (average 6.6 kg).Neck length & shape: Trumpeters have longer necks and more often en route to their wintering sites in have it folded back at the base; Tundras tend to keep their necks more vertical but this is not California. Swans from the far north a strong identification feature.Bill shape: Trumpeters have much larger, longer bill, which is of Alaska and Canadian Arctic tend more straight (Tundra is curved) where the bill meets the lower cheek. to migrate to the eastern U.S. for the Yellow spot on the lores: this is the clincher (if you can see it!) Only Tundras have a yellow spot winter. Read more about this amazing in front of the eye – this varies a lot and is often hard to see.Voice: Trumpeters are less vocal research and see the satellite tracking and lower pitched with gentle nasal honking , Tundras have a melancholy hound-like klooo maps at this web-site: http://alaska.usgs. call. Although Trumpeters are now the most common swan seen in BC the species had a close gov/science/biology/avian_influenza/ brush with extinction. Excessive hunting and the feather trade decimated the populations and by the 1930s there were fewer than 100 left. It took heroic efforts to save the species. This is a TUSW/TUSW_research.html Look out conservation success story and the Trumpeter Swans are slowly recovering and now number for marked waterfowl about 16,000 birds. The more numerous Tundra Swans which, as we have just learned, nest in remote areas in Alaska and the Canadian Arctic, were never in danger of extinction. 

Spring 2011 BCnature 11 BC Parks Centennial CHILCOTIN HOLIDAYS By Gail Ross GUIDED HIKING RETREATS Suitable for all levels of experience, When we think of BC Parks, we often think of campgrounds, picnic grounds and hiking trails – but as many know, there is so much more…. we offer guided hiking retreats in the beautiful South Chilcotin Mountains, 2 hours north of ur parks range from the smallest park at Memory Island (less Whistler, BC. This scenic area is located within Othan one hectare) to the largest at 989,616 ha (Tweedsmuir). a rainshadow, meaning sunny skies and a dry Our second largest park, the 947,026 ha Tatshenshini-Alsek is a climate. From grassy slopes to ridgetops, World Heritage Site. Together with the adjacent parks in Alaska there is something for everyone. and the Yukon, it forms the world’s largest International World Her- itage Site. MacMillan Park on Vancouver Island is visited by thousands every year to enjoy the majesty of the towering old growth Douglas-fir forest. Farther up the coast, the Kitlope Heritage Conservancy protects the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the world.

In Hawaii, we often marvel at the volcanic landscapes, and yet similar features can be enjoyed in Wells Gray, Garibaldi, Nisga’a, Itchas Ilgachuz and Mt Edziza – with Mt Edziza being the most significant volcanic landscape in Canada. For those enjoying sandy beaches, in Naikoon Provincial Park on Haida Gwaii, sandy beaches stretch continuously for almost 100 km, making it some of the longest continuous sandy beaches in the world. Anne Vallee (Triangle Island) Ecological Reserve protects the largest seabird colony in BC and Canada’s largest (the second largest in the world) Stellar’s sea lion rookery. 70% of BC’s five million nesting seabirds colony in BC and Candas’s Largest Stellar’s sea lion rookery. 70% of BC’s five million nesting seabirds are protect- Hike the lush valleys of McGillivray Pass and Connel ed in 13 of our ecological reserves. Creek or explore the alpine meadows of Eldorado, Cinnabar and Taylor. Avoid the Masses! If waterfalls are Come to Eldorado on one of our customized trips. your interest, the We can accommodate 6-10 people in our wilderness highest in Canada mountain cabin, with glorious views and trails for (and one of the you to enjoy in your own private group. 10 highest in the From July 1st to Sept 30th, its the best world) is – Della alternative to a crowded mountain. Falls (440m) in Strathcona. -4 & 7 day all inclusive packages Other falls of note -accommodation at our ranch or alpine camps are Hunlen Falls -licensed wilderness guides and camp cook in Tweedsmuir, -fossil beds and wild flowers -outstanding variety of wildlife Helmcken Falls in *10% Discount for BC Nature Members* Wells Gray and Website: Shannon Falls, www.chilcotinholidays.com south of Squamish. Email: [email protected]

Chilcotin Holidays Ltd Gun Creek Road, Gold Bridge, BC, Canada V0K 1P0 Photo: Gail Ross Phone (250) 238-2274 Fax (250) 238-2241 Helmcken Falls - Wells Gray Park Continued Page 13

12 BCnature Spring 2011 BC Parks Centennial Continued from Page 12

VanDusen Botanical Garden 5251 Oak St. Vancouver, B.C. V6M 4H1 www.vandusengarden.org

2011 Spring Courses A sampling of courses offered For more information, please see the Adult Education section of our website. Freeman King (Skipper) giving a school program at Goldstream The Essence of Good Gardening nd, of course, BC Parks have no shortage of spec- with Egan Davis Atacular mountains - from the Matterhorn-like Saturdays, Mar 26 to May 7 mountains in Assiniboine and Kakwa (Mt Sir Alex- ander) to the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies Apple Grafting Workshop (Mt Robson); on Vancouver Island (Golden Hinde in with Leonard Basaraba Strathcona); and in BC (Mt Fairweather in Tatshen- Saturday, Mar 26 shini-Alsek). Getting back to those campgrounds…. If each camp- Landscape Design Workshop site is considered as overnight accommodation, BC with Estelle Bogoch Parks, with over 13,000 sites, is the largest provider of Saturday, Apr 9 overnight accommodation in the province! For those who enjoy hiking, the 6000 km of trails (driving distance Maximum Balcony Harvest from Vancouver to Halifax is 6099 km) range from gentle with April Reeves nature trails to challenging wilderness adventures. Saturday, Apr 30 Park interpretation began in BC Parks in 1957 at Manning Park. The program flourished and expanded Introduction to Botanical Latin during the 1970's and early 1980's when there were with Estelle Bogoch approximately 100 full time interpreters and seasonals. Wednesday, May 4 In 1986, the province contracted out interpretation and then the program was eliminated in 2002. Since Keep Good Lawns from Going Bad 2004, BC Nature has led the way in bringing back park with Catherine Dale interpretation through various partnerships. However, at the time of writing, it is still uncertain whether Thursday, May 5 there will be any interpretive programs during the Centennial year. This year we celebrate the Centennial of BC Parks and Cedar Lecture Series Lectures sponsored by GardenWise Magazine. the foresight of many of those before us who lobbied to protect our natural heritage. Many celebratory events will be occurring around the province, with a Art in the Garden particular focus on Parks Day – July 16th. Whether it with Dr. George Drake, Sebastian curator is visiting parks and collecting stickers for the BC Parks Thursday, Apr 14 100 Passport, participating in a BC Parks 100 themed geocaching event, attending an Arts in the Parks event, For the Love of Trees – An Arboreal Odyssey or volunteering at a conservation and stewardship with Roy Forster, former VanDusen curator event, there will be lots of different activities you can Thursday, May 12 undertake during 2011. With almost 1000 parks and protected areas offering All lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. unlimited natural recreational opportunities, why not in VanDusen Floral Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. explore a park that you have never visited before, join a celebratory event or, – or perhaps take someone who TICKETS $10 (Garden Members) and $15 (Non-Members). has never visited a park with you! To learn more about Available at the door or in advance 604-257-8335. BC Parks, visit the website at www.bcparks.ca. 

Spring 2011 BCnature 13 14 BCnature Spring 2011 Focus on BC Important Bird Areas (IBAs): Chilcotin Junction in the Okanagan Similkameen By: Kris Andrews, IBA Caretaker

he wide grasslands and breathtaking canyon scenery Tof the Chilcotin Junction IBA make it an exciting area for birders and naturalists to explore. The IBA includes an extended area along both the Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers, upriver of the junction. It encompasses a mosaic of grasslands, big sagebrush flats, sand dunes, Interior Douglas-fir forest, steep slopes with hoodoos, and rock outcrops above roaring rivers below, riparian zones and small lakes and marshes. The area was nominated to become an IBA by Cariboo naturalists, Anna and Gina Roberts, who recognized the value of its mature, old growth Douglas- fir forests along the river valley walls for providing habitat to one of the highest breeding concentrations Photo: Chris Andrews of Flammulated Owls in Canada. Other species at their Junction of the Fraser and Chilcotin Rivers northern breeding limit in the IBA include: Lewis’s Woodpecker, Prairie Falcon, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Long- Billed Curlew, Dusky Horned Lark. Sprague’s Pipit and to its northern boundary. In late fall, bighorn sheep can be Upland Sandpiper have been reported historically. observed rutting and sightings of Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, Rough-legged Hawk or Northern Hawk Owl are possible. Exploring Chilcotin Junction If road conditions do not permit a visit to the park, drive on down the Farwell Canyon Forest Service Road to the scenic he eastern boundary of the IBA is intercepted 14 km splendors of Farwell Canyon on the Chilcotin River. Here Twest of Williams Lake on Highway 20 near the Fraser in summer, First Nations fish for salmon in the traditional River. Fields near the river contain breeding Long-billed way. The old log homestead and hoodoos upstream of the Curlew, while open slopes and ravines above the river Farwell Canyon Bridge are very photogenic, but be advised provide nesting habitat for many bird species including: the buildings are on private property. The riparian zone of Long-eared Owl, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock’s Oriole, East- Farwell Creek and shrub belt at the base of the silt cliffs at ern and Western Kingbirds. Doc English Bluff Ecological this old ranch site harbour much bird life including possible Reserve is five kilometers downstream of the bridge on rarities such as Black-chinned Hummingbird.  the west bank of the Fraser River. In May and June, listen here for Flammulated Owls and Common Poorwills call- ing after dusk. White- throated Swifts and the occasional pair of Golden Eagles can be viewed at the Bluff. The most popular locations for viewing wildlife within the IBA are the Farwell Canyon Road and the Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park. To reach these areas drive 45 km west of Williams Lake on Hwy 20 to Riske Creek. Turn south and drive 15 km on the Farwell Canyon Forest Service Road to the park sign. From here drive 9 km south through private property along a dirt access road with some steep slopes, deep ruts and slippery conditions when wet. The road ends at a memorial cairn within the Provincial Park. The extensive protected grasslands of Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park provide habitat for the largest herd of California bighorn sheep in the world, as well as many other grassland species. It is possible to hike from the memorial cairn down to the scenic junction of the Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers, a long hot walk in summertime. The flats above the junction demonstrate evidence of historic Chinese placer mining activity. A Map of the Chilcotin Junction IBA loop road circles from the cairn back through the Park

Spring 2011 BCnature 15 BCWF Wetlands Education Program: Building a “Wet” Foundation from the Ground-up! Written by Neil Fletcher and Natashia Cox or the last 15 years the BC Wildlife FFederation’s Wetlands Education Program (WEP) has been providing communities with the resources to protect, enhance, and promote wetlands. The 2010 Wetlands Institute and Wet- landkeepers workshops emphasize the successes of the WEP. The results from both programs have created an off- shooting of success stories that deserve recognition!

Logan Lake: Design to Restoration -

Thanks to working alongside wetland Toles Heather Photo: construction specialists, and environ- Wetland Institute Participants at Campbell Creek 2010 mental professionals, Marge Sidney, with the BC Ministry of Environment, Connecting People to Wetlands - Wayne Salewski, Regional President of BCWF and the Logan Lake Enhancement is an active advocate of conservation. He helped identify two wetland sites to Working Group (LLEWG), obtained train participants during the Vanderhoof Wetlandkeepers workshop and also $50,000 in funding from Teck Re- identified many other wetlands requiring restoration, including Murray Creek. sources Ltd, Highland Valley Copper Encouraging participants and community members to engage in landowner to put towards the restoration of an contact, Wayne aims to educate owners on the values of water stewardship Inlet Wetland at Logan Lake. LLEWG planning and the positive results of the Murray Creek Project, its associated group was formed in 2007 at the wildlife and wetlands and reducing the potential threats to this environment. request of the Mayor and Council and tasked with restoring Logan Lake’s Advocating & Identifying Wetland Stewardship Initiatives – Paul Ber- ecosystem, protecting the lake for the linguette, member of North Shore Wetland Partners Society, recently reached his future, improving social benefits and 20th year of volunteering for conservation works in North and West Vancouver. creating an educational component. He was instrumental in helping BCWF bring a Wetlandkeepers Workshop to It was in-part, the surveying and Cypress Provincial Park. Due in part to the Workshop in 2010, restoration activi- wetland designs created during the in- ties for the headwaters of Cypress Creek have been identified and are being stitute that helped the LLEWG obtain scheduled over the next few years. the necessary baseline information to These watershed visionaries are applying training from the Wetland Education move restoration opportunities for- Program and are championing stewardship initiatives in their communities. ward and provided the group with the Due to their ongoing dedication, wetland stewardship and conservation is gain- necessary skills to manage the project. ing momentum from the bottom-up! The 2010 Wetlands Education Programs could not have occurred without support from Restoring Wetlands & Rescuing our funders. See our list of funders and upcoming courses page 22.  Amphibians – Edith Tobe Executive Director of the Squamish River Watershed Society, attended the Wetlands Institute to learn how to restore wetlands with her goal to return to Squamish, BC and start restoring wetlands to provide habitat for amphibians. With her new skill- set she is now equipped to restore 5 to 6 wetlands in fall of 2011 near Squamish through funds obtained from the Ministry of Transportation. In collaboration with the BCWF,

she is also helping to coordinate a Illustration: Rebekah Massey Wetlandkeepers workshop scheduled for April 1-3. Logan Lake restoration design for 2011 16 BCnature Spring 2011 Report: Survey of BC Nature Clubs’ Involvement with Wetlands Written by Peter Ballin Introduction fences, docks, bird boxes, bird obser- Naturalists influence policy that has C Nature’s 2010-2015 Strategic vation platforms and hides, cleaning shaped landscape use in British Colum- BPlan includes the goal to har- up, pollution surveys, mapping, trail bia. They work with other groups that ness the nature knowledge of mem- building, stewardship, and species share, or threaten, their interests, includ- bers and clubs to compile, document specific habitat enhancements. Many ing the general public, schools, NGO’s, and communicate nature knowledge of these endeavors gather support First Nations, industry, government across BC about wetlands. This report from other organizations, and clubs agencies, and all levels of government. was delivered to the Wetland Stewar- in turn lend support to other organi- For example, Nature Vancouver advo- dhip Partnership. It summarizes how zations. A list of some of the organiza- cated establishment of Cypress Provin- cial Park in 1975, then assisted in forming naturalist’s clubs of British Columbia tions working with naturalists’ clubs the group, Friends of Cypress Park. They contribute to wetland conservation. is available from the BC Nature office. conducted plant and wildlife inventories, With club roles as advocates, advi- Since we can observe many wetlands including four separate wetland plant relatively easily, they showcase wild- sors, stewards, restorers, enhancers, surveys in 2009/10, and promoted best life and habitat, especially sensitive educators, and enjoyers, we see the management of the park’s small wetland habitat. Accordingly, naturalists edu- impact of citizens invested in the fu- areas. Restoration activities continue. The cate one another and their communi- ture of wetlands. Central Okanagan Naturalists have been ties about wetlands through speakers, Methods involved with at least 36 different wet- tours, classes, signage, displays at gath- he Survey of BC Nature Club In- lands in and around Kelowna since 1980, erings and malls, and special events. volvement with Wetlands (avail- with the greatest involvement within the T They visit schools and bring students able from the BC Nature Office) was last few years. Pender Harbour and Dis- into wetlands, and sponsor Young Nat- trict Wildlife Society have worked closely distributed, after review by the BC uralists’ Clubs. with the Iris Griffith Centre to secure a Nature Conservation Committee Club activities vary from little or no wetland and build an educational centre, and the approval of its Executive, wetland involvement to important roles and now provide ongoing school and to the directors and conservation in wetland projects of international sig- public programs. committees of 51 naturalist clubs, nificance, such as those in the marshes Advocacy of wetland conservation representing almost 5000 individu- and tidal flats of the Fraser Delta and remains an important function of BC als throughout British Columbia, in Boundary Bay. The wetlands range from Nature and its member clubs. Clubs November 2010. Results were collat- backyard size to over 11,000 contiguous draw attention to the value of wetlands ed and summarized, with some ac- wetland hectares. The Victoria Natural by bringing land-use issues to the consid- History Society reports that half of their tivities highlighted. All detailed club eration of governments, local, provincial, field trips and a quarter of their evening submissions remain on file with the and federal, and government agencies. talks feature ponds, bogs, lakes, estu- BC Nature office. They raise and donate money for wet- aries, lagoons, streams, and rivers. The Results land purchase, as much as $4000/y, and number of attendees to functions - var ourteen clubs submitted surveys. contribute to nature centers and other ies with the size of the club: generally The conservation committee en- conservation organizations. Government F 2-25 for field trips (most commonly half courages you to submit your com- agencies, government, and industry seek a day), 50 for speakers and camps, to pleted survey it you have not yet out naturalists’ clubs for input on best 100 for survey events. Activities range practices. done so. in frequency from annual occasions to Volunteer hours for committee, advi- Club Activities virtually continuous monitoring, and sory, and educational work on wetlands ot only do naturalists get into the consume anywhere from an hour to the are difficult to estimate, as they not only field and enjoy wetlands, they 4000 hours volunteered each year at the N vary from year to year, but also often protect them, fix them, and maintain Scout Island Nature Centre at Williams included amongst broader landscape them. Field trips to wetlands provide Lake. Seasonal investment in the Wet- issues. The two largest clubs, Vancouver land Restoration Project of the Comox club members not only with observa- and Victoria, agreed that over the past Valley Naturalists takes 300 hours of tional and recreational opportunities, decade each had at least 20 people con- fieldwork and 120 hours of administra- but often enlist them in long-term tribute 500 hours per year, through briefs, tive time. Shorekeepers Training takes projects to conserve, enhance, and meetings, presentations, speakers, com- 20 hours. Often individuals rather than restore them. These projects include mittee work and leading field trips.  groups put in long hours monitoring inventorying biodiversity, monitor- For further information about specific club wetland organisms and habitats or act- ing wildlife populations, remov- activities, contact the club directly or contact ing as stewards. ing invasive plant species, planting Peter Ballin at [email protected] native species, building protective

Spring 2011 BCnature 17 SUMMER CAMP STRATHCONA PROVINCIAL PARK July 15 - 19, 2011 oin us for a celebration of Strathcona Provincial Park on JVancouver Island. Place: Participants will be staying at Strathcona Park Lodge just outside Strathcona Park – on highway 28 west of Campbell River. We may be able to arrange car pooling depending on where participants are coming from. Driv- ing time from Nanaimo is about 4 hours, from Victoria about 5 hours. Cost: $600 per person (double occupancy) includes accommodation for four nights, meals from Friday night to Tuesday morning, and all activities except the optional boat trip. Very limited number of single rooms available for $100 extra. There will be costs for car pooling to various walking/hiking venues. There will also be an optional boat trip on the MV Uchuck to Friendly Cove for those interested. Cost of this trip is $75 per person. Registration: Limited to 24 participants, must be a member of a BC Nature club or a direct member. Contact Pam Munroe at [email protected] or 250- 338-0187. Register on or after April 1 2011 to ensure your place. Camps fill up very quickly! General enquiries about camps are welcome, but no registrations will be taken before this date.  Sponsored by Comox Valley Naturalists & BC Nature

"Nature on the move ~ Fall Migration through the Delta" BC Nature Conference and AGM elta Naturalists’ Society is pleased to host the 2011 DBC Nature conference and fall general meeting at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn, Delta, BC., Sept 29 - Oct 1, 2011. The meeting venue is conveniently located in Tsawwassen on the west side of Boundary Bay, in the heart of the Fraser River delta. This is a wonderful area for birds and nature, especially in the fall when migration is in full swing. We hope that our event will attract BC Nature members and their guests from all across the province to enjoy field trips and presentations by expert birders and naturalists, and a fun line up of social events. The Directors’ Meeting and Fall General Meeting will be held on Saturday 1 October. Watch for registration, accommodation and transportation options in the next issue of BCnature and on the BC Nature website. For more information, email Tom Bearss tom.bearss@ dccnet.com or Anne Murray [email protected] 

18 BCnature Spring 2011 are excusable, in my opinion, because this book’s potential Book Review audience has more than enough new scientific revelation to deal with. I think it is all too easy to overload newcomers The Sacred Balance: with material not particularly germane to the problems at Rediscovering Our Place hand. in Nature Chapter three reminds me of The Nature of Things David Suzuki with Amanda with its beautifully structured examination of evolution McConnell & Adrienne Mason from our watery origins to bottled water. The earth chapter Softcover, 360 pages, $22.95 (four) makes the case for organic agriculture. Greystone Books, 2007 The Divine Fire, chapter five, explores fuel options, which logically gets into overpopulation. Restoration in Reviewed by Eric Burr chapter six, based on genetic necessity, makes full use of Suzuki’s professional specialty. Biophilia concludes chapter his is an updated and expanded second edition seven with specific reference to the work of E.O.Wilson. of the 1997 original by North America’s most Chapter eight: Sacred Matter takes religion head on, recognized environmentalist. It is a serious book for T with all its many dilemmas and psychological challenges restorationists, but also for preservationists who may not alluded to in the first chapter. yet have quite figured out why restoration is necessary. It Restoring the Balance is the concluding chapter and explores the question: What is humankind’s real bottom includes inspiring success stories from around the world. line? Its goal is to achieve agreement on the answer.The Interspersed throughout the text are quotations from a urban cultural context is recognized up front, with its wide variety of famous authors and poets, which provide necessity to restate the facts of life for readers who perhaps an especially ecumenical flavor. These are backed up by a skipped that class. Consequently professional ecologists thorough section of notes, at the back, for those interested will find most of the book very familiar, but naturalists will in pursuing the sources further. also find innovative new ways to present our case. E.O.Wilson’s endorsement on the back cover will Recent changes in human perception are explored in hopefully help us reach a wider audience. The Creation: the first chapter. Spirituality interacting with science and An Appeal to Save Life On Earth is Dr.Wilson’s 2006 secular culture, Disney and Wal-mart, is the challenge. book addressing the spirituality dilemma so central to Clearly more than science is needed if we are to get our Suzuki’s arguments for going beyond science to achieve the message out beyond the choir. necessary balance.  The central four chapters explore the universally Eric Burr is a retired national park ranger/naturalist and author, acknowledged four elements of life: air, water, earth, and residing in Washington State’s Okanogan County. His own fire. Global warming dominates the air chapter, but avoids book, Ski Trails and Wildlife: Toward snow country restoration, potentially confusing topics such as abiotic oil or the pursues Dr. Suzuki’s goals for the boreal forest. causes of the warming 1,000 years ago. These omissions

Bumblebees pollinate native plants, fruits and vegetables. When did you last see a Bumblebee?

Native Species and Natural Processes

Shape your career with this accredited Take the full 4-course program or individual program designed for professionals working courses. Apply now! Fall 2011: Restoration Ecology: Natural forestry, agrology, biology and environmental Processes (In person) practice. Learn about cutting-edge approaches to ecological restoration. 250-721-8458 • www.continuingstudies.uvic.ca/natural

Spring 2011 BCnature 19 TOURS FOR NATURALISTS

***YUKON & DEMPSTER HIGHWAY*** Land of the Midnight Sun Tour I, 18-29 June 2011 (12 days) Tour II, 1-12 July 2011 Cost $3500 (dbl occup) +GST from Whitehorse The Yukon is a fabled land whose very name evokes archetypal images of wilderness and a frontier populated by colourful characters. On this tour we will experience both the natural and human landscapes of this fascinating and beautiful land, visiting the Klondike, the Dempster Highway, and the Mackenzie Delta. The heart of our adventure is the drive up the Dempster Highway, 750 kms of good gravel crossing two mountain ranges, traversing wild river valleys, muskeg and tundra. At latitude 66N we cross the Arctic Circle and enter the Land of the Midnight Sun. We also fly across the Mackenzie Delta to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean. The Dempster is renowned as a naturalist’s paradise with its varied and beautiful landscapes, sought-after bird species, large mammals and we visit at the peak of the wildflower display. Join us on this adventure to the big country immortalized by Robert Service...... the Yukon.

***THE SUNSHINE COAST FOR NATURALISTS*** 18-22 July 2011 (5 days) Cost $1350 (dbl occup) +HST from Vancouver The Sunshine Coast exemplifies the best of coastal British Columbia as the temperate rainforest meets the blue of the Salish Sea in a confusion of magnificent fjords and green islands. We visit the Sunshine Coast’s scenic highlights, including a full day cruise to world famous Princess Louisa Inlet, We also visit Jedediah Island and take a sunset cruise. Our base is the Rockwater Secret Cove Resort. The Sunshine Coast’s culinary offerings are an important part of this tour and we will sample the best available. All meals are included in the tour price EXCEPT for 4 dinners.

***SUMMER WATERFALLS OF BC*** 23-26 July 2011 (4 days) Cost $775 (dbl occup) +HST from Vancouver Your guide is the author of the book ‘The Waterfalls of British Columbia’ and each participant will receive a signed copy of the book. We will visit a dozen of BC’s great waterfalls, including the province’s premier waterfall, Helmcken Falls in Wells Gray Provincial Park. The tour is accessible to virtually all levels of mobility. Your guide will identify and interpret the landforms, forests, plants, birds and wildlife along the way.

***OTTERS, ORCAS & GRIZZLIES*** 25-29 August 2011 (5 days) Cost $1780 (dbl occup) +HST from Vancouver In an increasingly crowded world British Columbia is a beacon of primeval wilderness known for its wildlife & scenery. On this tour to Vancouver Island we expect to encounter three of BC’s most charismatic species, Sea Otters, Orcas & Grizzly Bears. The tour includes three separate boat excursions, all set against a backdrop of stunning ocean & mountain scenery.

***SOUTHERN UTAH*** 15-24 September 2011 (10 days) Cost $2300 (dbl occup) from Las Vegas Planet Earth contains an infinite variety of landscapes, but in southern Utah random geologic events have conspired to create rare, unexpected and beautiful consequences. The mighty Colorado River, aided by the arid erosion cycle, has waged battle across the eons with the sandstone strata and fashioned landscapes so unique and bizarre that they are more redolent of an extra-terrestrial origin. We visit The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Valley of the Gods, Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Monument Valley, Zion Canyon and more.

Leader: Tony Greenfield WHISKEYJACK NATURE TOURS BOX 319, SECHELT, BC, V0N 3A0 Tel: 604-885-5539, E-m: [email protected] Full details & itineraries at website: www.whiskeyjacknaturetours.com

Spirit of the BC Reg #34425 Spirit of the Wilderness Wilderness

20 BCnature Spring 2011 Cynodontium Rock By Terry Taylor

ynodontium Rock is a large, erratic boulder left by a Cglacier on a ridge, probably about 11 thousand years ago. I often hike along this ridge, and always look for Cy- nodontium Rock as I go by, so it is sort of a friend of mine. There are lots of boulders sitting on lots of ridges, so why is this one so special. Naturalists are attracted to organisms and features that most people do not even notice. They may be birds, plants or butterflies. I notice mosses, and this rock has a thick covering of Cynodontium jenneri, a moss that usually does not grow this luxuriantly. Sorry, I cannot give you a common name. I guess that indicates how many Photo: Gerald Hempler people look at mosses. Maybe nobody else has even been Hikers at Buntzen Ridge - showing a Cynodontium Rock aware of Cynodontium Rock, even though hundreds of hikers pass it every year. producing millions of spores. Have any of those met When you look more closely at situations like this, the with similar success? question of origins comes up. How did this moss get on Several centuries of scientific research have revealed this rock? Seems like a fairly simple question, but an ori- a great deal about the natural world, but most of it is gin is essentially a point in time. In most cases we do still hidden from us. Cynodontium Rock bears witness not experience origins, but see only the results, and try to how much we know and how much we do not know. to ascertain what occurred through circumstantial evi- It is the invisible reality below our level of perception dence. The ridge in this area is covered by rock outcrops, that runs the world. All around us are the relatives of so I was curious about where the Cynodontium came Cynodontium Rock.  from, before it grew on the rock. Since the proper habitat was all around, the most likely scenario was a spore floating a short distance and landing on the boulder. This moss produces lots of spores. A careful search yielded no other plants nearby. This made me think about how hidden from us, most natural processes really are. Maybe a more careful search would reveal the parent colony. Maybe a spore floated up from the cliffs below. Maybe the environment has changed, and the original plants have died out. All sorts of maybes, but no answer, and just a simple question. When we ask questions like this, we need to remember that ultimately the basic processes of nature are beyond our level of perception. We cannot directly experience the very large or the very small, nor function on the time scales involved. The mosses growing on this rock probably grew from spores which arrived there many years ago. Nobody has ever seen spores. People have only seen images of spores with microscopes or similar forms of technology, under artificial conditions. You cannot see the spore floating across the ridge and landing on the rock, or see its natural microscopic environment. When the first spore landed on Cynodontium Rock, the landing site was probably free of other mosses, as these would have prevented it from growing. There would, however, have been a flourishing film of thousands of other micro-organisms. Such films of life cover virtually every surface. The spore needed to germinate and grow into a web of alga-like threads. To do so it had to compete against the inhabitants that were already there, which it succeeded in doing. From the web, buds were produced that grew into new moss plants. These plants are now

Spring 2011 BCnature 21 Learning & Training Opportunities: Young Naturalists’ Club Wetland Stewardship 2011 of BC Update By Daphne Solecki

oodbye! We are very sorry to have to say goodbye to Jen- Wetlands are uniquely tied to our environmental, economical nifer Swanston, our Clubs Coordinator for the past three and social well-being. They can reduce flooding, clean water, G years. She has been offered a full time position with all benefits, provide habitat for wildlife, offer us recreational opportunities which is something we cannot offer. With a growing family, it is and create visually appealing landscapes. So, it’s no wonder a position she could not refuse. We shall miss her passion for na- that the BC Wildlife Federation’s Wetlands Education ture, her warm outgoing personality, her sense of humour and her Program (WEP) is still actively reconstructing, restoring and infectious laugh. We thank her for all she has contributed to YNC monitoring wetlands throughout the province! For the last 15 Leaders for Regional Young Naturalists’ Clubs years the WEP has been providing communities with the We are happy to report that Angela Jean-Louise has volunteered resources to protect, enhance, and promote their local to start a Home Learners YNC in Lillooet. (There are currently wetlands. Home Learner groups in Vancouver, Victoria and Cowichan Valley and many home learner members all over the province.) Sea-to-Sky Series Wetland Education We are still looking for new leaders for Kimberley and South Okanagan. Please contact Daphne Solecki ([email protected] for further information on what is involved.) 2011 WEP Programs offer training and stewardship Robert Bateman print draw opportunities in the rapidly developing Sea-to Sky Corridor! The print was won by Dr. Judy Myers, professor emerita, Beaty Biodiversity Centre. She has kindly arranged to hang the print Wetlandkeepers Workshop – 2.5 days ($150.00) in the Centre in memory of Rex Kenner. Squamish (April 1-3, 2011) Nature WILD Pemberton (May 13-15, 2011) Our thanks go to Teck Resources Elkview Operations (East Kootenay) for a generous grant to support the most recent  Wetland Classification, Issues & Legalities issue of NatureWILD (Volume 11 Issue 3). The ‘Salmon Edition’  Wetland Assessments & Mapping produced in September with support from the Pacific Salmon  Vegetation, Amphibian and/or Bird Survey Foundation was very popular. PSF reported “The Salmon issue  Upon completion receive certification. of NatureWILD at the Adams River last year was a huge success - the public grabbed up magazines as fast as they could put Puddle Project – 1 day ($50.00) them out!” A subscription to NatureWILD is available for $20 North Vancouver (June 5, 2011) per annum. New Resources:  Wetland Classification, Functions & Ecology In preparation for the Great Backyard Bird Count the  GPS training, data transfer & utilization YNC produced 5 full-colour regional, kid-friendly Bird ID cards. These are useful for any beginning birder and can be For further information or to register for courses contact: downloaded from the website www.ync.ca . Thank you to Don Delaney of the Edmonton Naturalists’ for donating the use of Neil Fletcher his photos, and Wild Birds Unlimited for sponsoring a portion Wetlands Education Program Coordinator of the printing. BC Wildlife Federation Partnerships: WildBC [email protected] We are looking forward to developing a partnership 604-291-9990 ext. 232 with WildBC which is the educational arm of the Habitat www.bcwf.bc.ca Conservation Trust Foundation. By working with and supporting WildBC we will be able to strengthen YNC connections to schools. Thanks to the Wetlands Education Program 2010 funders: Imagine Canada Imagine Canada is a national charitable organization which supports and strengthens Canada’s charities and non-profits. It is developing a Standards Program whereby charities can become accredited to a set of non-profit sector standards. Kristine has been invited to join Imagine Canada’s new Standards Council Kudos Jackie Hildering, Murray A. Newman Award Recipient for Significant achievement in Aquatic Conservation.Jackie is the leader for the North Vancouver Island YNC , in addition to her work with Save our Salmon, Jackie is raising a new generation of aquatic conservationists. Several YNC members were able to attend the event. Congratulations Jackie!  22 BCnature Spring 2011 In 1997, CVNS published a spiral-bound (64), Anna’s Hummingbird (45) and Her- Club Chat booklet called “Nature Viewing Sites in the mit Thrush (8). Another rare species, a By Betty Davison Comox Valley and Environs”. Thoughts of Cassin’s Auklet, , was found in Burgoyne updating it were always shelved until Krista Bay, Saltspring Island tying our record Kaptein had the idea of moving it into the from way back. cyberworld where it could be continuously In December our Young Naturalists refined. The New Horizons for Seniors pro- joined with the “older” naturalists for our VANCOUVER ISLAND gram is allowing our group to update the annual winter solstice party – those that web site and our brochure. were able to attend had a great time! Arrowsmith Naturalists The Wetland Restoration Project, initi- Cowichan Bay is working on a revised “40 Years Young” ated by CVNS, has evolved over nearly 20 Official Community Plan and it is pro- old weather and frozen earth years since its inception; its mandate has posed that a new by-law be introduced Cslowed our stewardship work at been expanded to include elimination of regulating development of foreshore the Englishman River estuary for the all invasive nonnative plants and the re- property for 30 meters above high water last few months. With the ground fi- establishment of native plant material in mark. It now appears that a number of nally thawing, we’ll now be spending the Courtenay estuary. The report for 2010 property owners who would be impacted less time in the coffee shop and more as well as a history and reports for 2003 to by this new by-law are getting out their time pulling out Scotch Broom – we 2009 are available on the club website. A chainsaws and cutting down trees and have mixed feelings about that! It is sign titled “A History of Transformation” shrubs which stabilize some of the shore- rewarding, though, to see fairly large is being prepared for the viewing stand at line slopes – with the result that at least broom-free areas in the estuary and the Air Park. The executive has expressed its one slump of soil onto the foreshore has that is what keeps us going back to sincere thanks to Frank Hovenden for all his taken place! work. work on the Wetland Restoration Project. A great honour has been bestowed upon Our Christmas Bird Count went We are privileged every winter to be the one of our senior members – Syd Watts well and our compiler, Sandra Gray, home and resting site for over 2000 trum- – a peak on the east side of Buttle Lake was happy with the results as we peter swans. In flight they are an elegant in Strathcona Park has been named after counted 116 species in total. We sight with an unmistakable bugling call. him! The official write-up describes Syd are very fortunate to have Sandy Large and small flocks dot the farmland as “long time Vancouver Island mountain organizing the event – she is a tireless around the Comox valley. With an 8-foot (2.5) climber, keen birder, naturalist extraordi- and dedicated volunteer. After the wingspan, their landing on water is quite a naire and life-long champion of natural team participants finished counting, sight. Like the landing gear of a plane, pairs places and system.” we then celebrated the count and of wide, webbed feet drop down at the last ~Submitted by Eric Marshall Christmas with a potluck supper. instant to break the fall. Seconds later they Since the last club chat we’ve had fold their wings, arch their necks and drift Pender Islands Field Naturalists several field trips; Neck Point in regally away. he 47th annual Christmas Count is Nanaimo and two in the Courtney Fred Constabel has put together the Spring Tnow over and despite the dreary area (Nymph Falls and Goose Spit). and Summer field trip schedule beginning weather 71 species had been recorded The outing that received the largest on March 3rd with an outing to Kin Beach but the actual number of birds was and most enthusiastic response was to look for early spring flowers such as Blue- down. One of the most uncommon spe- the tour of the VIU (Vancouver Island eyed-Mary and Gold star. cies observed by Stuart Scholefield was University) Deep Bay Field Station. ~Submitted by Jackie Gray of a Merlin, a small, swift flying falcon. Brian Kingzett toured our group Another uncommon species noted was around the Shellfish Research station Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society by Don Williams and the Valentines of a that was not yet officially opened. ovember for the second year we start- Hermit Thrush. Magic Lake continued Members later described the tour as Ned our weekly swan and goose count to demonstrate its importance as a habi- exciting, inspiring, informative and – better known at ‘The Wild Goose Chase’. tat for wintering waterfowl. About 100 well worth seeing. We’re already We cover essentially the same area as our Common Mergansers were present and planning a future return trip to see Christmas Bird Count driving an 80 km an equal number of Ring-necked Ducks. the centre fully open and operational. figure-eight course around the valley. Num- An exciting look at a pod of Orcas off the If your club is interested in touring bers of swans, so far, are down from last Stanley Point area by David Spalding et the station, visit their website at: year but there appear to be relatively more al, was the wildlife highlight. The post- www.viudeepbay.com young that last year. Of course the day we poned talk by Richard Philpot on marine ~ Submitted by Pat Bourgeois had the dump of snow was on a count day mammals will now be given on April so we missed one week. A thrill was spot- 22nd. Comox Valley Naturalists Society ting a red phalarope in the Cowichan Estu- ~ Submitted by Gerald McKeating VNS is pleased to be hosting a BC ary probably blown in by a storm. CNature Summer Camp to be held Our Christmas bird count went off well – Victoria Natural History Society at Strathcona Park Lodge July 15th for once the weather was quite reasonable his winter, the Victoria Natural His- to 19th. The timing is very meaning- – frosty first thing but no rain or snow this Ttory Society finally reached a long- ful since Strathcona Park was the first year. One new species was added to our standing goal. Veteran count-coordina- park established in the B.C. system and local list – the Eurasian Collared Dove – this tor Ann Nightingale has been hoping for is celebrating its 100th anniversary in introduced species has made it to our valley. years that we could reach 200 participants 2011. Pam Munroe and helpers are put- Several new high records were established in a Christmas Bird Count. On December ting together a full program of activi- - these being:- Ring-necked Duck (850), 18, 217 participated in the count on a cool, ties in birding, botany and geology. Hooded Merganser (235), Pied-billed grebe Continued on page 24

Spring 2011 BCnature 23 Club Chat, continued from page 23 Festival in November. Gerry Powers in particular, our Publicist Joanne. She windy day. This was one highlight of and Steve Howards continue to be a has helped us grow with the publicity in a winter packed with field trips and great source of knowledge. the local papers and also the wonderful presentations. In October, the executive attended a posters that Geof is painting! All of these As part of our ongoing efforts to attract retreat at Sechelt, sponsored by Hank together have brought in more members: new members, the VNHS has recently and Alice Roos’ Family. We incorporated 21 Family and 19 Single memberships for developed a new display. This display is the monthly executive meeting and a total of 61, plus we enjoy the occasional less cumbersome than the old and more visited the Caren Range where Paul visit from the public. eye-catching, featuring donated artwork Jones and John Dafoe spent hours Check out our Blog at: www.dncb. and photos by members Joanne Thomp- sharing this amazing place. wordpress.com for Reports and photos son and Marie O’Shaughnessy. The dis- ~ Submitted by Jacqui Reznick and the DNCB Picasa photo site at: play is already being used in malls and at http://picasaweb.google.com/dncbirding community events. One such event is the Chilliwack Field Naturalists Tom also did a Birds on the Bay walk ain, rain, rain. We seem to have seen upcoming Seedy Saturday, where mem- in January on the snowy Wednesday; a lot of this lately and some days have bers Darren and Claudia Copley will be R he has committed to doing one every felt pretty dull and uninspired. Last night presenting on gardening for wildlife. quarter – so keep checking the BotBay was our February General Meeting with Another upcoming community event schedule. Guest Speaker Graham Osborne who is where we will be showing off the new “Nature on the Move: Migrations a renowned photographer. It was his through the Delta”: Fall General display is International Migratory Bird request to have a large crowd and with Day on May 14. This year the events will Meeting: Sep 29 – Oct 2. Plans are some more active advertising his name progressing: The initial Program has be held at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. caught the attention of the public and to In other efforts to retain members, we been drafted, some speakers already our gratitiude the guests did fill the room. booked. Details Page 18. Watch for the are presently completing a survey of our His awesome photographs and witty membership in order to improve the Soci- complete program in the Summer issue stories behind the photo’s kept us enter- of BC Nature. ety and provide more of the programs tained for over 2 hours and reminded us that people most want to see. The birding has been grand – the once again of the beauty of our province Ladner Bird Count was the highest The Victoria Natural History Society and other places. January we held our has recently donated $2000 to the Habi- with 143 (actually 144 with a Pileated silent auction fund raiser and members Woodpecker). The most wonderful bird tat Acquisition Trust to help pay for the were able to show us some digital slide establishment of new covenants to help was the Northern Hawk Owl which is shows. December was the Christmas still hunting on Westham Island protect private lands. Bird Count and Potluck which is always The VNHS has its AGM in March. After something we look forward too. that, we will be looking forward to the We continue to work at the Camp River spring meeting in Williams Lake…and Wildlife Area and and extremely grateful bringing resolutions. for the grant we just received from BC ~ Submitted by James Miskelly Naturalists Foundation to purchase some plants and we are actively trying to raise Lower Mainland funds and apply for grants to purchase a Abbotsford - Mission Nature Club tractor to do the heavy work and mow-

e were often asked where the ing that is required. We are having a pub Photo: Ursula Easterbrook Ursula Photo: W“central valley” was in our old night fund raiser in April to assist with name. We chose to recently rename our the funds. Northern Hawk Owl club the Abbotsford Mission Nature Janne our president has been working Club as it better defines who and what hard towards organizing a camp that will There are some sad issues. The SFPR we are. We are also in the midst of be hosted in the Fraser Valley. It is a joint is proceeding; the whole of Tsawwassen upgrading our website. venture with the Hope Mt Centre for Out- and Ladner is getting noisier with more We look forward to a good year with door Learning. traffic – both ground and air; there are greater membership and enjoyment The Eastern Fraser Valley YNC had more and more big trees being cut down in learning and participation. Club a successful field trip to Harrison Hot along the SFPR, the First Nation roads members have been providing input Springs that was very well attended with and in the periphery of the Boundary to natural area management planning Janne leading the young naturalists to Bay Airport. At the latter they cut down for city parks, providing ideas for various spots around the lagoon. all the trees on the NW corner of the the Experience the Fraser project, ~Submitted by Helen Turner outside edge which had an active Bald and keeping informed and providing Eagle nest in it – all so they can expand comments on development plans that Delta Naturalists Society the airport and prevent crashes. There affect trees and other habitat in our city. he Delta may be falling apart, but the are still masses of eagles and gulls September began with the viewing of Tclub is thriving – we’ve had a very hanging out at the dump and turf farm, the migration of the Vaux’s swift. Over successful Fall and Winter so far; if our just around the airport. This year, due 20 people watched as over 3,000 birds attendance continues to grow, we may to poor Chum Salmon returns, all the entered the old Sumas, Washington have to consider moving to a larger fa- eagles came south – approximately 1000 Customs Building chimney. It took over cilities – we are bursting at the seams in at the Vancouver landfill. 30 minutes for most of them to get inside our existing room. We frequently go over See you in September! the chimney. our 40 person capacity. There are many ~ Submitted by Ursula Easterbrook We had a display at the Bald Eagle people within our club to thank for this,

24 BCnature Spring 2011 Langley Field Naturalists and another, a gas station on a tributary The big push this year is to reduce the ugust and September were busy of the river. Done deals but of ongoing pressures on the watershed on Burnaby Amonths for our members preparing concern are the Highpoint development Mountain. A commercial mountain bike for the BC Nature Fall General meeting in Langley adjacent to Campbell Valley race, new trail construction, a proposed 30th Sept.-3rd Oct. Sheila Puls, co-coor- Park where the removal of forest and gondola and zip-line, the Evergreen dinator with Jude Grass for the event, resulting sediment dumps into the river Skytrain construction scheduled for organised work party meetings at several during spawning has now evolved to October, and the ongoing roadsalt members houses, including her own, to building an equestrian facility with a foot- contamination from SFU. build the needed signs, create the art print that would challenge many a casino To help publicize our activities, work for the centre pieces for the banquet in dimensions [all equine urine to river, Pablo Vimos, one of our volunteers, has “treated by soil”!]. Members continue to redesigned our website: www.scec.ca. and make the fall foliage arrangements. closely monitor the ‘Campbell Heights Put May 7th on your calendar for the Many members turned out to make light Industrial Park’ in Surrey and meet with 21st annual Great Salmon Send-Off. See of the work. As a result of working staff regularly to voice concerns. the website for details. together for the Fall General meeting The dedicated Little Campbell Hatch- ~Submitted by Alan James preparations we got to know many more ery volunteers continue to work around members. We find that people sit in their the clock and in 2010 they hosted 91 KOOTENAYS chairs at monthly meetings to listen to school tours reaching 2793 students and very interesting speakers, thanks to Dr 695 parents and teachers and hundreds West Kootenay Naturalists Martin McNicholl, but the social time of casual visitors are welcomed annually The summer/fall hiking program drew is too short to establish contacts with to visit and enjoy the forest park nearby. a significant number of participants. other members. I hesitate to speak for all This past fall over 80 classrooms received A strenuous outing comprised driv- but I think everybody who volunteered their ‘Salmon in the Classroom’ kit to ing to the top of Kootenay Pass and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We study the lifecycle of wild salmon. hiking up to Ripple Ridge (2100m). A held a “thank you” pot luck lunch at the A priority for this year is to replace group of 22 people descended upon the Griffiths house a month later, which was unreadable interpretive signage in the Dragonfly Café in Salmo subsequent to also enjoyed. forest park along the river. The project the hike, much to the bewilderment of LFN members were very pleased that Al entails fifty specific native plant signs the waitress as to the size of the group Grass, our first President, was presented and nine larger signs focused on river descending upon the small facility. She with the McTaggert-Cowan Outstand- sites such as spawning salmon, beaver enquired whether they were all together ing Naturalist Award at the Fall General activity, nurse log etc. This project will and where they came from, as the group Meeting. Al continues to be a very active be accomplished with partners Friends of apparently looked like escapees from a member with our club, leading many Semiahmoo Bay Society and A Rocha and Seniors Care facility. Field trips during the year, and teaching the generous support of a BC Nature and A much more the leisurely outing us so much about our natural world, for BC Naturalist Foundation club grant. comprised a visit to Kokanee Creek and which we are very grateful. We’re also scheduled to remove inva- the site of the Busk Manor, being the The Forslund/Watson Nature Reserve sive species such as Daphne laurae, bind- home of Charles Busk, a civil engineer which FLN members have helped to weed, tansy and Himalayan blackberry employed in the construction of the improve over many years, although it and pick up litter and dog waste in the CPR transcontinental railway. While is owned by the Province, has had more estuary March 20 and April 9. Please the house no longer exists, the rock attention this year. New members, Jenny visit our website: www.lcws.ca walls, and location of tennis courts, and Ben Auxier, have spent many hours ~Submitted by David Riley pulling the invasive plant Lamiastrum, stables, a soccer field and oval shaped clearing many areas in the forest, which concrete swimming pool remain intact. Stoney Creek Environmental Comm. Completion of the history lesson was has made a huge difference. Bill Image, he Stoney Creek Environment Com- followed by viewing the Kokanee also a new member, helped our presi- mittee had one loss and many gains T salmon on their migratory journey to dent, Bob Puls, plant 96 Western Red in 2010. In August, we lost our mentor, their spawning channels. Plans have Cedars (3ft high) Some cages have been Jennifer Atchison, to breast cancer. Not a been completed for the 2011 program, built around them to prevent the deer week goes by that we don’t wish we could offering a broad range of challenging from nibbling the young needles. Plans ask her a question about Stoney Creek. activities at various locations. are being made to install swallow nest- On the plus side, Burnaby Parks planted A significant problem in the West ing boxes and hopefully a barn owl nest 730 evergreens in the Stoney Creek water- Kootenay area in 2010 was the poor box too. shed, replaced plastic with glass on the berry crop resulting in shortage of ~Submitted by Annabel Griffiths kiosk near Stoney Creek Community food for bears, leading to numerous School to counter graffiti attacks, and encounters with the public and Little Campbell Watershed Society worked with MetroVancouver to extend unfortunately, resulting in the need to he Little Campbell River (noted the the fencing on the MetroVancouver trail shoot a significant number of animals. 12th most endangered in BC) water- to discourage informal stream crossings. T Strict regulations regarding garbage shed continues to be inundated with con- Simon Fraser University have nearly collection have been introduced by way servation challenges and loss of habitat. completed a new road salt handling facil- of fines of $50 in an attempt to minimise Members are monitoring: a shrimp farm ity to replace the old leaking salt shed. the problem in future. that has illegally dumped its waste water We also had a great Coho spawning The winter speakers program, is into the river; gravel extraction opera- run this fall. One Saturday alone, we providing a wide range of topics tions; numerous development proposals, counted 30 Coho - equal to the total for and locations, ranging from hiking one for a composting facility on ALR all of 2009. land, another a casino/convention centre continued on page 26

Spring 2011 BCnature 25 Club Chat, continued from page 25 THOMPSON SHUSWAP and the night ended eventfully with an OKANAGAN ice storm that made it tricky to get out to in the Height of Rockies Provincial our cars. Park, salmon fishing in the Queen Central Okanagan Naturalists’ Club We are working on setting up an Charlotte’s, a visit to the Orkney, Islands “50 Years Young!” endowment fund in the name of two and canoeing the Missouri River,. It’s our 50th anniversary, so the Central founding members of our club, Jack and The status of run-of-the river Hydro Okanagan Naturalists’ Club has an ambi- Barbara Gregson. This scholarship will generating plants in the West Kootenay tious program of 50 public and/or club be for students who study in areas of area, particularly the Glacier/Howser events to celebrate, kicking off with a great importance to the Gregson’s, such installation, is being closely followed. Sunflower Festival on Apr 30th and cul- as Entomology and Botany. Demonstrations against construction minating with the hosting of BC Natures’ We are looking forward to our Spring of the project must have influenced AGM from May 4th to 6th, 2012. Drawing Nature Series which is run through the the decision not to proceed with its inspiration from the Meadowlark Festival City of Kamloops. This Series will run construction. Ironically, while the in the South Okanagan a dedicated com- one evening a week for six weeks and project seems unlikely to proceed the mittee, led by Dianne Hayley, is planning will feature a new nature topic on each environmental assessment program, a wide variety of events which will show- night. for reasons unknown, continues case the rich natural heritage we have to We have run two other similar series unimpeded. enjoy in our area. Why did we choose to in past years with great success and ~Submitted by Brent Hancock highlight the sunflower? Arrowleaved positive feedback from the public. balsamroot is Kelowna’s floral emblem. ~Submitted by Theresa Corboy northern BC These are some of the events planned for the year: Lillooet Naturalist Society Prince George Naturalists •To start the sunflower festival, a Pancake he Prince George Naturalist Club was ur restoration project wrapped up breakfast with Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shep- for the season with the final wild Tre-launched in January, with a lively herd attending. O AGM attended by 40 people. A very am- planting days at the site in October. Kim •Interpretive walks in Kalamoir Regional North, the coordinator for the restoration bitious annual program of activities was Park led by master naturalist, Scott Alexan- developed, and a couple of outdoor project, teamed up with the local newspa- der. per and they organized an “Art Show and events had already taken place within the •Birding with Dick Cannings. first week. The word has been spreading Sale”. This project invited people to sub- •Geocaching and games for children. mit their own artistic creations, related to since, with over 100 people asking to be •A nature art and photography display in the put on the mailing list - though just 33 at nature, on a canvas that was provided. EECO Center. The project wrapped up after our annual the time of writing had filled in forms and •A geology and botany tour of Scenic Canyon paid subscriptions. general meeting in January with a “show” Regional Park led by Robert Young and and “sale” which generated tremendous A new forum and blog and a George Scotter. Facebook page have been created, so community participation, some amazing •Ethnobotany with Leonard Rapheal and a art and raised considerable funds. information should be flowing steadily taste of first nations cuisine. as the Club gets into its stride. Contact We held a Bat House building work •Studying bats at the old school house in party before the November craft fair [email protected] for any details. Peachland. ~Submitted by Clive Keen sale. At the Craft Fair we had a table as •Some events are with bus transportation usual for outreach and education and only. sales of our luxury bat condominiums Williams Lake Field Naturalists Throughout the rest of the year we will ur club is looking forward to hosting were brisk. We enjoyed a presentation showcase the natural history of the Okan- about Insects in our Forests with Othe BC Nature Spring Conference agan. Events will cover every aspect of and AGM May 12 to 15. Details about this entomologist Ward Strong PhD. We being a naturalist, from looking at life in a hosted a presentation by biologist and event are on the BC Nature and Williams pond, birding by bicycle, and neighbour- Lake Field Naturalists websites. researcher Larry Davis on Fishers. hood walks through areas that CONC The Christmas Bird Counts at Lillooet, The Scout Island Nature Centre has identified and succeeded in having them been active through the winter offering Hat Creek and the Yalakom were put aside as parks. We are hoping to completed and enjoyed by all. It was our programs for school classes, home both educate and inspire anyone who is school groups and youth organizations. best year for Lillooet, with 59 species interested in the natural world to value and over 1,800 birds on the ‘day’. We are now preparing for the spring and and protect the amazing biodiversity of summer programs with the hope that Our AGM was January 22nd and this region. well attended. We welcomed Simon we will have funding for staff. In March ~Submitted by Don Guild we are planning to construct an elevated Warhurst and Doug Grossler to board walkway on a trail in the riparian our board of directors. An Invasive Kamloops Naturalists Club Weed group is starting up that we zone. Our annual banquet will be held his year we had a great turnout of 68 in April during which we will celebrate are supporting. Another local group Tpeople for our club’s AGM, which in- is starting up to address some of the the 40th anniversary of The Nature Trust cluded a potluck dinner, a raffle draw and of BC and have a presentation by Dr. environmental concerns related to a photo contest. Jean Crowe was elected as mining in the Bridge River area. The Rob Butler. The Nature Centre website the new club president as Tom Dickinson is now available for viewing ( www. Lillooet Naturalists supported ten stepped down after several much appre- applications for funding with the Fish scoutislandnaturecentre.ca) . ciated years. A new club member, Norm ~Submitted by Fred McMechan and Wildlife Compensation program Dougan, won photographer of the year through BC Hydro. The Bridge and Seton watersheds did well in the process

26 BCnature Spring 2011 and we look forward to more restoration kanax Creek which flows in the valley Spring is on the way. It’s nice to see and SAR compensation work over the below the hotsprings. sightings of buttercups and hints of a few next season. Ann Langer led a work bee at Cools of the birds returning and even looking ~Submitted by Vivian Birch-Jones Pond, one of our small protected areas. for nest sites! As for butterflies – we Turtles cross a busy road near the celebrate with Dennis St. John as he was Nicola Naturalists Society pond, so we are trying to make people awarded the Norman Criddle award from ur new club continues to grow. Our aware. the Entomological Society of Canada. As Omonthly evening meetings attract A bird walk had been planned a the days warm up we do have a great between 30 and 60 people and we get week earlier, but because it had been line up for outings starting in April, but good press coverage from the local Mer- so very cold , it was held the next not before one more offer to snow shoe ritt media. Our evening meetings are held day in Kalamalka Park., and we were at Telleir’s Fisherman’s Cove with Greg & in the very elegant new lecture theatre at delighted to be able to include a white Terry at Osprey Lake. the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. breasted nuthatch among our sightings. A committee has been working hard We now also have a website: www.nicola- Our Christmas Bird Count was held on celebrations for our 50 anniversary naturalists.ca on Sunday December 19th, with the and our conservation committee remains In November Dr. Karl Larsen, count at the Bishop Bird Sanctuary active writing letters and attending Associate Professor in Wildlife Ecology afterwards. Twenty parties covered the meetings. We also remain active pursuing and Management at Thompson Rivers Greater Vernon areas. We had seen 88 the South Okanagan National Park - University, Kamloops, gave us a species and the bird of the Day trophy always hoping to soon hear the good fascinating talk on the research he and went to the group that saw a grey news we’re waiting for. Meanwhile we his students are doing on grassland catbird. have been fortunate to be able to donate critters. Their work on the Badger and Since then members have been on to other worthy groups such as SORCO other threatened grassland wildlife is of informal cross country ski trips. We’ve and the Burrowing Owl Conservation great importance. One of his students had one scheduled snowshoe trip Society. has even figured out how to fit a radio following snowshoe trails established Submitted by Glenda Ross tag to a Great Basin Spadefoot to follow by an Outdoor Club here. the movements and habitat use of this Jim Bodkin led a swan and eagle Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists enigmatic amphibian. count in January, when no tundra “20th Anniversary” In December we held a bird swans or golden eagles were seen. n February, our Annual General Meet- identification workshop as a warm-up There were144 trumpeter swans of Iing was held with the elections of New to the Christmas Bird Count. The count which 120 were adults and 122 bald Officers. Madelon Shouten shared an over- itself was held on 2 January and despite eagles with 96 adults. view of our 20 years history. She shared a the chilly conditions 15 people were out The Young Naturalists had a Fall recent letter fom a Katimivick Student that in the field, locating 58 species (right on trips to visit the Bishop Bird Sanctuary. worked with us on our Swan Lake Conser- average) and 2050 birds (below average). Another trip was to the Stockdale vation area, telling us that his experience In January Dr. Alan Burger gave us a organic Farm near Enderby, where with us led him into Enviormental Studies presentation of the wonders of the High they tasted different berries and leaf and he is now pursuring a Masters in that Arctic, based on his work in Svalbard teas and they also watched sheep area. Trish Reid then showed a power point and Greenland as a lecturer/naturalist dogs perform. We have a Wood presentation with a pictorial view of our 20 with Aurora Expeditions. Besides having Duck in Vernon on BX Creek near the years to music that was well received. We lots of pictures of Polar Bears and other downtown Safeway, which was first celebrated with cake and fellowship. Hon- arctic wildlife the talk focused on the spotted a few weeks ago by Daphne ourary Life Membeership was presented rapid changes experienced in the arctic Manning. Since then it has been to Madelon. as a result of global climate change. photographed many times by many We have enjoyed a Winter snow shoe The Nicola Naturalist Society was people. hike up Ospery Lake Road. Nineteen awarded a small grant by the BC Public ~Submitted by Pamela Jenkins people went and we experienced various Conservation Assistance Fund to initiate degrees of difficulty. Everybody thor- an amphibian monitoring program South Okanagan Naturalists Club oughly enjoyed themselves. We are look- in the Merritt/Nicola area. Under the "50 Years Young" ing forward to hearing Laure Neish in guidance of Dr. Kristiina Ovaska and nother great winter in the Okanagan March on the Breeding Bird Atlas Program other professional herpetologists we will A– it was a pleasure doing the Christ- and Harold Baumbrough in April on the be donning our gumboots to go frogging mas Bird Counts this year! In December documentation of regrowth in Okanagan in the spring. we passed through our shortest day of Mountain Provincial Park since the fire of ~Submitted by Alan Burger the year. Unfortunately I was not able to 2003. partake in the solstice celebration as Dr. We are fortunate in having a good team North Okanagan Naturalists Club Chris Purton talked of the Pen Henge n October, seven of us spent a wet marker stone set in place on Munson Mt. on the Executive. We enjoy good hikes and Iweekend at Nakusp Hotsprings. We by the Okanagan Centre of the Royal As- explorations. Newsletters are fantastic and had opportunities to explore the area tronomical Society. Imagine – our very a good team that organizes great speakers and hiked through the very wet forest to own Pen Henge! Our meeting nights program. The Club is 84 members strong the site of the original Hotsprings, from have provided us with some awesome and we are looking forward to another 20 where the hot water is piped down to the topics and speakers! We’ve been shar- years. present commercial pool. A lot of poison ing ideas and names of speakers with ~Submitted by Cathie Yingling ivy grows around these hot sources, and other clubs. there are some attractive waterfalls on us-

Spring 2011 BCnature 27 BC Nature Spring Conference and AGM May 12 to 15, 2011 Enjoying Nature in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Hosted by the Williams Lake Field Naturalists at Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake Campus Schedule of events (full details at www.bcnature.ca or www.williamslakefieldnaturalists.ca) Thursday, May 12 8:30 to 5 pm Pre-conference field trip: Churn Creek Protected Area 6 to 9 pm Registration and social 7:30 to 8:30 pm Presentation: Crown of the Cariboo-Chilcotin, Ray Coupe Friday, May 13 6 to 7:45 am Early morning birding, Phil Ranson, Sandy Proulx, Cathy Koot 7:30 to 8:30 am Registration (breakfast on your own) 8:30 to 10:15 am Welcome and Presentations • Insights into the behaviour and ecology of the northern flicker, Karen Wiebe • Ants, from British Columbia to Borneo, Rob Higgins 10:15 to 10:45am Refreshment break 10:45 am to 12:15 pm Presentations • Cariboo-Chilcotin ecosystems-diversity and uniqueness, Ordell Steen • Salmon in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, Dept. Fisheries and Oceans biologist 12:15 to 12:45 pm Lunch (bag lunch or on your own) 12:45 to 5:15 pm Field trips • F1: Grassland plant communities from low to upper grasslands, Ordell Steen • F2: Plant communities of a mid elevation grassland landscape, Ray Coupe • F3: Birding on Becher’s Prairie, Group #1, Phil Ranson & Sandy Proulx • F4: Birding on Becher’s Prairie”, Group #2, Ken Mackenzie • F5: Bluebird trails to Farwell Canyon, Jim Sims and Kris Andrews • F6: Ants of the interior grasslands of British Columbia, Rob Higgins • F7: Cavity nesting birds of Becher’s Prairie, Karen Wiebe • F8: Plants and wildlife at Doc English Bluff Ecological Reserve, Michaela Waterhouse • F9: Wildlife viewing at Springhouse, Alkali Lake & Dog Creek, Katharine VanSpall 5:15 to 6:30 pm Dinner (on your own) 6:30 to 9:30 pm Social: A duet of delightful desserts and volcanic images 7:30 to 9 pm Presentation: Motherstone - British Columbia’s Volcanic Plateau, Chris Harris Saturday, May 14 6 to 7:45 am Early morning birding, Phil Ranson, Sandy Proulx, Cathy Koot 7:30 to 8:30 am Registration (breakfast on your own) 8:30 am to 12 noon Meetings: BC Nature directors and Young Naturalists Club (YNC) 8:30 am to 12 noon Field trips • Plants of the Secwepemc People, Jean William, Sue Hemphill • Birding in the Williams Lake River Valley, Phil Ranson, Sandy Proulx • Williams Lake River Valley – nature at our doorstep, Ordell Steen, Leo Rankin • Ecology and forest management of Interior Douglas-fir forests, Rick Dawson • Exploring the nature of Doc English Bluff, Ray Coupe, Jim Sims 12 noon to 1 pm Lunch (bag lunch or on your own) Lunch for BCN and YNC directors 1 to 4 pm BC Nature Annual General Meeting 5:30 to 6:30 pm Pre-dinner social 6:30 to 9:30 pm Banquet Keynote speaker: Wayne Sawchuk, 25 Years of Exploration in the Muskwa-Kechika Sunday, May 15 9 am to 12 noon Field trips • Ecology and forest management of Interior Douglas-fir forests, Rick Dawson, Rob Higgins • Scout Island Nature Centre: a place to get up close to Nature, Sue Hemphill, Mary Forbes • Birding in Walker Valley, Tom Godin • Ducks Unlimited projects and birding in the Chimney Lake Valley, Katharine VanSpall 9 am to 4 pm Post conference field trip: Spring in the Horsefly River Valley and the Horsefly River Riparian Conservation Area, Barry Booth

28 BCnature Spring 2011 BC Nature Spring Conference and AGM May 12 to 15, 2011 Enjoying Nature in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Hosted by the Williams Lake Field Naturalists at Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake Campus REGISTRATION:

Name(s) ______

Club name (or BC Nature direct member) ______

Mailing Address ______

City______Postal code ______

Telephone ______Email ______Before After OPTIONS (check all that apply) Qty. April 8 April 8 Total Full registration (includes presentations, field trips and evening socials) *Does not include banquet ______$90 $105 $_____ Friday only (includes presentations, field trips, social) ______$60 $70 $_____ Saturday only (includes field trips) *not banquet ______$30 $40 $_____ Meals: Saturday banquet (spaces are limited) ______$40 $_____ Bag lunch (Friday) ______$8 $_____ Bag lunch (Saturday) ______$8 $_____

Indicate special dietary needs ______Total $______

Indicate which field trips you wish to attend: (As spaces are limited, please indicate your preferences) • Thursday preconference all-day trip to the Churn Creek Protected Area (Please indicate the name of each person. The cost will be the carpool fee) Person 1______Person 2 (if applicable) ______• Friday afternoon trips (please indicate names and write the field trip code (F1 to F9, as indicated on the events page) your first, second and third choices. Choose only once for F3/F4.The cost will be the carpool fee) Person 1______1st____ _2nd_____3rd______Person 2______1st_____ 2nd_____3rd______• Sunday post conference all-day trip to the Horsefly River Valley (please indicate each person attending.The cost will be the carpool fee) Person 1 ______Person 2 ______* Sign-ups for Saturday and Sunday and Early Morning Birding Trips will take place at the registration desk * Registration and a signed waiver are required for all trips.

Please mail your form and cheque to: Williams Lake Field Naturalists, BC Nature AGM, 1305A Borland Road, Williams Lake BC, V2G 5K5. Please make cheques payable to “Williams Lake Field Naturalists”. No refunds after May 2

The venue is Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake Campus, 1250 Western Avenue, V2G 1H7

Accommodation: Accommodation information is available at www.bcnature.ca and www.williamslakefieldnaturalists.ca. Or contact the Williams Lake Visitor Centre, toll free at 1-877-967-5253 or email [email protected]

For additional information contact: Chair Fred McMechan at (250) 392-7680 or [email protected] or Registrar Nola Daintith at (250) 392-6858 or [email protected] can also write to us at the WLFN address above.

Spring 2011 BCnature 29 BC Nature (Federation of BC Naturalists)

Member Phone Email President John Neville 250-537-4121 [email protected] Vice President Vacant Past President Bev Ramey 604-224-7689 [email protected] Treasurer David Tsang [email protected] Secretary Claudia Copley 250-479-6622 [email protected] Conservation Chair Rosemary Fox 250-847-5150 [email protected] Kootenay Regional Coordinator Greg Ross 250-489-2566 [email protected] Lower Mainland Regional Coordinator Jude Grass 604-538-8774 [email protected] Northern BC Regional Coordinator Fred McMechan 250-392-7680 [email protected] Vancouver Island Regional Coordinator Sue Loveless 250-336-8782 [email protected] Thompson Okanagan Reg’l Coordinator Don Guild 250-768-3334 [email protected] Parks and Protected Areas Coordinator Don Guild 250-768-3334 [email protected] Education Chair Joan Snyder 250-365-7633 [email protected] Communications Director Vacant Other positions: Awards Chair Pat Westheuser 250-769-6605 [email protected] IBA Coordinator Anne Murray 604-943-0273 [email protected] Young Naturalists’ Club President Daphne Solecki 604-736-9471 [email protected] Young Naturalists’ Club Coordinator Kristine Webber 604-737-8001 [email protected] BC Naturalists’ Foundation Bob Dyer 604-922-9798 [email protected] Consultants to BC Nature: Ross C. McCutcheon Partner, Maitland & Company, Barristers and Solicitors 700-625 Howe, Vancouver V6C 2T6 Reid/Hurst/Nagy Certified General Accountant 105-13900 Maycrest Way, Richmond V6V 3E2

Lower Mainland Director Address Phone Email Abbotsford-Mission Nature Club Jacqueline Reznick Box 612, Abbotsford V2S 6R7 604-557-1828 [email protected] Alouette Field Naturalists Duanne Vandenberg 506-12148 224th St., Maple Ridge V2X 3N8 604-463-8743 [email protected] Bowen Nature Club Everhand van Lith de Jeude 602 Collins, Bowen Island V0N 1G6 604-947-9562 [email protected] Burke Mountain Naturalists Elaine Golds 554 Yale Rd., Port Moody V3H 3K3 604-937-3483 [email protected] Chilliwack Field Naturalists Helen Turner 47564 Mountain Park Dr., Chilliwack, V2P 7P6 604-792-0972 [email protected] Delta Naturalists’ Society Ursula Easterbrook Box 18136 - 1215 C-56th St., Delta V4L 2M4 604-948-1749 urs@ telus.net Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society Margaret Cuthbert 15425 Columbia Ave., White Rock V4B 1K1 604-536-3552 [email protected] Langley Field Naturalist Society Annabel Griffiths Box 56052, Valley Centre PO, Langley V3A 8B3 604-530-2778 [email protected] Little Campbell Watershed Society David Riley 4700 224 St. Langley V2Z 1N4 604-536-2636 [email protected] North Shore Urban Bear Club Betty Carrington 1886 Berkley Rd., North Vancouver V7H 1Z3 604-924-9281 [email protected] Pender Harbour & District Wildlife Soc. Joe Harrison Box 220, Madeira Park V0N 2H0 604-883-9958 [email protected] Royal City Field Naturalists Gareth Llewellyn 903-1219 Harwood St., Vancouver V6E 1S5 604-609-0679 [email protected] Squamish Environmental Conservation Soc. Mary Mitchell Box 2676, Squamish V8B 0B8 604-815-0801 [email protected] Stoney Creek Environmental Ctee. Alan James 7551 Kraft Cres., Burnaby V5A 1Z4 604-420-0771 [email protected] Sunshine Coast Natural History Soc. Tony Greenfield Box 543, Sechelt V0N 3A0 604-885-5539 [email protected] Texada Stickleback Group Association Tim Atwood Box 353-2404 Van Anda Ave, Van Anda, V0N 3K0 604-486- 7775 [email protected] Nature Vancouver Dorothy Nelson 4175 W 10th Ave., Vancouver V6R 2H2 604-224-5668 [email protected] Nature Vancouver Margaret Coutts 302-1230 West 12th Ave., Vancouver V6H 1M1 604-512-1413 [email protected] Whistler Naturalists Society Kristina Swerhun P.O. Box 845 Whistler V0N 1B0 [email protected] White Rock and Surrey Naturalists Society Esther Johnson Box 75004, White Rock V4A 0B1 [email protected]

Kootenays Director Address Phone Email Fernie Nature Club Bob Livsey 3 Elkview Pl., Fernie, BC V0B 1M3 250-423-6699 [email protected] Rocky Mountain Naturalists Greg Ross Box 791, Cranbrook V1C 4J5 250-489 2566 [email protected] West Kootenay Naturalists’ Association Joan Snyder 2410 12th Ave., Castlegar V1N 4I8 250-365-7633 [email protected]

Northern BC Director Address Phone Email Bulkley Valley Naturalists Anne Hetherington 3377 Mountain View Rd., Smithers V0J 2N6 250-847-4618 [email protected] Kitimat Valley Naturalists April MacLeod 72 Skeena St., Kitimat V0C 1Y9 [email protected] Mackenzie Nature Observatory Vida Tattrie Box 1598, Mackenzie V0J 2C0 250-997-6913 [email protected] Prince George Naturalist Club Clive Keen 5980 Salmon Valley Road, Prince George V2K 5W2 [email protected] Quesnel Naturalists Lorna Schley 128 Lindsay St., Quesnel V2J 3E3 [email protected] Skeena Valley Naturalists Judy Chrysler 1677 Lupine St., Terrace V8G 0G1 250-798-2535 [email protected] Timberline Trail & Nature Club Meredith Thornton 701 105th Ave., Dawson Creek V1G 2K5 250 782-7680 [email protected] Williams Lake Field Naturalists Soc Fred McMechan 1305A Borland Dr., Williams Lake V2G 5K5 250-392-7680 [email protected]

30 BCnature Spring 2011

Thompson-Shuswap-Okanagan Director Address Phone Email Central Okanagan Naturalist Club Don Guild Box 21128 RPO Orchard Park, Kelowna V1Y 9N8 250-768- 3334 [email protected] Kamloops Naturalist Club Theresa Corboy #68 1221 Hugh Allan Drive, Kamloops V1S 1M7 250-320-0889 [email protected] Lillooet Naturalist Society Vivan Birch Jones Box 1065, Lillooet V0K 1V0 250-256-4062 [email protected] Nicola Naturalists Alan Burger Box 2539, Merritt V1K 1B8 250-378-2468 [email protected] North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club Pamela Jenkins Box 473, Vernon V1T 6M4 250-545-0490 [email protected] North Shuswap Naturalist Club Rudy Vervoort Box 24030, Scotch Creek V0E 3L0 250-679-8763 [email protected] Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalists Harold King Box 1181, Osoyoos V0H 1T0 250-495-6907 [email protected] Shuswap Naturalists Club Janet Pattinson 2451 Sherry Road, Sorrento V0E 2W1 250-835-2270 [email protected] South Okanagan Naturalists’ Club Dennis St. John Box 23050, Penticton V2A 8L7 250-498-6651 [email protected] Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists Trish Reid Box 2074, Princeton V0X 1W0 250-295-6002 [email protected]

Vancouver Island Director Address Phone Email Arrowsmith Naturalists Pat Bourgeois 120 North Finholm St #45, Parksville V9P 1J5 250-586-4846 [email protected] Comox Valley Naturalists Society Jackie Gray Box 3222, Courtenay, V9N 5N4 [email protected] Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society Genevieve Singleton Box 361, Duncan V9L 3X5 250-715-0113 [email protected] Nanoose Naturalists Carolyn Dodd 2345 Eaglesfield Place, Nanoose Bay V9P 9G7 250-468-5437 [email protected] Pender Island Field Naturalists Gerald McKeating 6618 Harbour Hill Dr., Pender Island V0N 2M1 250-629-3840 [email protected] Rithet’s Bog Conservation Society Sharon Forrester 6429 Bryn Road, Saanichton, V8M 1X6 250-652-5950 [email protected] Rocky Point Bird Observatory Ann Nightingale 1721 Cultra Ave., Saanichton V8M 1T1 250-652-6450 [email protected] SaltspringTrail & Nature Club Nieke Visser 145 Rourke Road, Salt Spring Island V8K 2E6 250-537 5443 niekevisser @shaw.ca Victoria Natural History Society Tom Gillespie Box 5220, Stn. B, Victoria V8R 6N4 250-361-1694 [email protected] Victoria Natural History Society James Miskelly Box 5220, Stn. B, Victoria V8R 6N4 250-477-0490 [email protected] Victoria Natural History Society Darren Copley Box 5220, Stn. B, Victoria V8R 6N4 250-479-6622 [email protected]

Affiliate Groups BC Spaces for Nature www.spacesfornature.org Morell Sanctuary Society www.morrell.bc.ca/ Boundary Bay Conservation Committee www.sunburyneighbourhood.ca/BBCC/ The Nature Trust of BC www.naturetrust.bc.ca Burns Bog Conservation Society www.burnsbog.org North Shore Black Bear Network www.northshorebears.com Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area www.crestonwildlife.ca Osoyoos Desert Society www.desert.org Delkatla Santuary Society http://www.massetbc.com/html/delkatla_sanctuary.html Raincoast Education Society www.raincoasteducation.org Friends of Beacon Hill Park Society www.friendsofbeaconhillpark.ca Riverview Horticultural Society www.rhcs.org Friends of Caren www.user.dccnet.com/welcomewoods/Friends_of_Caren Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society www.lagoonsociety.com Friends of Cypress Provincial Park Society www.cypresspark.bc.ca Sargeant Bay Society www.sargbay.ca Friends of the Stikine www.panorama-map.com/STIKINE/stikine.html Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society www.somenosmarsh.com/index.php Garry Oak Meadows Preservation Society www.garryoak.info Sunshine Coast Conservation Association www.thescca.ca Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning www.hopemountain.org Trails BC www.trailsbc.ca/ Land Trust Alliance of BC www.landtrustalliance.bc.ca Wild Bird Trust of BC www.wildbirdtrust.org Malaspina Naturalist Club, Powell River www.armourtech.com/malanat

Vancouver Avian Research Centre Stimulating your interest in wild birds and nature

The Vancouver Avian Research Centre offers workshops, birding resources, and other special presentations for you to explore and learn more about the birds and habitats of the Vancouver Area. Check out our course schedule at: http://www.birdvancouver.com/workshops.html and join us for one of the following courses:

. Our Bird Identification Workshop – developed for birders who wish to participate in the BC Breeding Bird Atlas or similar programs or who just want to take their bird knowledge and identification skills to the next level.

This course covers groups, topography, field marks, song, habitat, molt, ageing and more and includes a guided field session to a local birding area. Although developed for beginner and intermediate birders the ornithological aspects of the course benefit even the most experienced birders and are invaluable for birders traveling overseas.

. Our Bird Monitoring and Banding Workshop – developed for people with little or no bird banding or bird in the hand experience provides a fantastic opportunity to see birds up close and personal, to learn about their plumage, molt sequences and life habits.

Spring 2011 BCnature 31 “Know nature and keep it worth knowing” Come and enjoy BC Nature with us! Enjoy birding, botany, geology and marine biology; join in camps, field trips and more in communities throughout BC. Participate in local stewardship projects such as restoring a marsh, monitoring bird life, caretaking important habitat, providing nest boxes, removing invasive species or helping run a nature house. The benefits of membership include our quarterly magazine, participation in our field camps and spring and fall conferences. Your membership gives strength to the provincial naturalist voice that BC Nature provides. Getting involved with nature is as easy as joining any of the local clubs throughout BC (you also become a member of BC Nature). Or you can join BC Nature directly. Check www.bcnature.ca for the club nearest you or phone (604) 985-3057.

Annual direct membership fee: $20 + Donation (optional) : ______= $ ______total If paying by cheque, please make payable to BC Nature Name ______

Address______

City______Province ______Postal code ______

PHONE ______EMAIL ______

VISA/MASTERCARD NO. Expiry: Month/Year Mail to: BC Nature, c/o Heritage Centre, 1620 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver, BC V7G 2R9 Or phone in your renewal to (604) 985-3057 Income tax receipts will be issued for donations over the annual membership fee. * Donations can also be made at www.bcnature.ca through PayPal (look for the Support Us button).

BCnature is published four times a year by the FBCN, c/o Heritage Centre, 1620 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver, BC V7G 2R9

Publications Mail No. 41804027 BCnature Spring 2011